Purpose: This article aims to explore the implications of means-ends decoupling at the state level for the implementation of the global model of the research university by the deans and department heads. Means-ends decoupling at the state level implies that the policies and practices of the state are disconnected from its core goal of creating public welfare. Design/methodology/approach: Data that form the basis of analysis were collected through twenty-four semi-structured interviews with deans and department heads from the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences who were in their positions during 2010-2014, at two Ukrainian universities. Findings: Apart from means-ends decoupling at the state level, which resulted in institutional complexity, case universities also sustained means-ends decoupling at the organisational level, which led to cultural complexity. Institutional and cultural complexities experienced by the deans and department heads, as well as their practices and values deviated from the global model of the research university, entailed them sustaining means-ends decoupling at the individual level. The degree of means-ends decoupling maintained by the deans and department heads at the individual level varied depending on organisational, disciplinary and individual cultural dimensions. Originality/value: This research contributes to the policy development and implementation studies highlighting how mismatches in policies at both state and organisational levels hinder the achievement of the intended outcomes.