Evolving Steps of Quality Culture in Universities: Outline from European University Association’s (EUA) Institutional Evaluation Reports

Authors : Baris Uslu

Pages : 49-58

Doi:10.53478/yuksekogretim.1553711

View : 68 | Download : 115

Publication Date : 2025-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Quality expectations bring many political and practical changes in universities. Some staff can see such a changing atmosphere as a danger for their work routines and prefer to refuse this renewed quality approach in their university. However, it is critical to ensure the active participation of each staff member to achieve better quality standards in university services. Then, to motivate all staff for quality development works, university managers need to evolve the quality culture in their institutions. Therefore, this research aims to explore the evolving steps of quality culture in universities. The research was designed as a qualitative inquiry, following a multiple-case study pattern. The qualitative data were collected from the institutional evaluation reports published by the European University Association (EUA). The multiple cases come from 14 universities in eight countries (including one initial and one follow-up report per university, totaling 28 institutional evaluation reports). The dataset was analysed using a content analysis approach, as follows: coding relevant sections in the reports; categorization of various codes; integration of emerging themes. The analysis revealed that top administration first sets up quality strategies and then generally delegates the policy development responsibility to the dedicated committee in their university. As the next steps, this committee plans necessary actions and steers institutional practices to develop quality in their services, including teaching, research, and engagement activities. However, three steps seem crucial to constitute a strong quality culture in universities: (i) design “quality development” as an institutional project, (ii) establish a quality management system to minimize bureaucratic burden, and (iii) recognize staff’s achievements (whether small or exceptional) contributing to the quality standards and timely award these achievements as motivating examples for all staff to take part in quality development.
Keywords : Kalite Geliştirme Girişimleri, Kalite Yönetim Sistemleri, Yükseköğretimde Kalite, Avrupa Yükseköğretim Alanı’nda (EHEA) Kalite Stratejileri, Üniversitelerde Kalite Kültürü

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