Effect of External Quality Assurance on Quality Culture in Higher Education Institutions in Tanzania

Abstract

This paper aimed at assessing the effect of external quality assurance (EQA) on quality culture (QC) in higher education institutions in Tanzania. The study used explanatory design with quantitative approach. The population included higher education institutions (HEIs) located in Dar es Salaam region and a sample of 350 respondents was selected. Data were collected using survey questionnaires. Findings revealed that external quality assurance processes such as program accreditation, university accreditation, degree recognition, resources availability, and academic standards have different effects on quality culture in higher education institutions in Tanzania. The study concluded that HEIs in Tanzania have benefited from external quality assurance practices since they have allowed them to build quality culture. The study recommended that HEIs should comply with EQA in order to continuously improve their QC.