The effect of academic culture on the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in UK universities

Abstract

PurposeThe paper seeks to explore the effect of academic culture on the implementation of the European Foundation for Quality Management's (EFQM) Excellence Model in UK universities.Design/methodology/approachA literature review reveals several aspects, which collectively define the academic culture in UK universities. These aspects were explored in four case studies of the implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model in UK universities.FindingsIt was found that certain of these aspects had a good “cultural fit” with the EFQM Excellence Model and its underpinning concepts and others acted as cultural barriers to the implementation of the model.Research limitations/implicationsThe research only covers four cases and is therefore only generalisable back to theory rather than to the population of UK university academic units. The paper identifies aspects of academic culture.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes an ideal mix of cultural aspects to facilitate implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model. Strategies are recommended for dealing with situations where the assessed academic culture does not fit well with the use of the model. These strategies include both attempts to influence and change the academic culture to provide a better fit with model and also suggested amendments to the use of the model to provide a better fit with the academic culture.Originality/valueThis paper makes a contribution to the understanding of academic culture and its effect on the implementation of a quality improvement methodology. Academic managers in universities may find its recommendations useful if planning a similar implementation.

Level of Total Quality Management Adoption in Qatari Educational Institutions: Private and Semi-Government Sector

“…Their conclusion suggested that Qatar companies would find difficulties in implementing TQM because they are dominated by a rational and hierarchical culture. Responding to this need, this study provides much needed present information on the state of TQ culture within the Qatari educational context because it was seen as crucial to implementing quality programs (Davies, Douglas, & Douglas, 2007). Also, a solid understanding of culture informs managers about how to change behavior in order to embed TQM.…”

“…In addition, the general academic culture that is considered suitable for TQM that emerges from the literature appears to be one that pursues collective consciousness (Srikanthan & Dalrymple, 2002, 2004, cooperation and support (Davies et al, 2007), or teamwork.…”

Integration: is it the key to effective implementation of the EFQM Excellence Model?

“…They argue that culture plays a key role in shaping all quality management activities and, although a detailed Integration: is it the key? discussion of this is outside the scope of this paper, it is dealt with thoroughly in Davies et al (2007). The fifth element in effective implementation is that of education and training relevant to the EFQM Excellence Model and the process of self-assessment (Osseo-Asare and Longbottom, 2002;Samuelsson and Nilsson, 2002;Sousa-Poza et al, 2001;Owlia and Aspinwall, 1997;Jackson, 2001).…”

Best Practice in University Strategic Management’s Conceptual Framework

“…With regard to the analysis and systematization of the practical experience of the application of the EFQM Excellence Model within the HEIs, studies have acknowledged that the main motives for HEIs to apply the EFQM model are related most commonly to internal institutional needs, competitiveness in the market and the requirements of stakeholders (Allur 2010 ;Davies et al 2007 ;Hides et al 2004 ;Kasperavičiūtė 2011 ;Osseo-Asare et al 2002 ;Steed et al 2005 ;Tari et al 2011 ). The implementation of the model within the HEIs gives rise to benefi ts linked with internal institutional changes.…”