Influence of Total Quality Management on Performance of Catholic Private Secondary Schools on Nyahururu Diocese, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: This research sought to investigate the influence of TQM style on the performance of four, Catholic Private Secondary Schools (CPSC) within the diocese. The research objectives were; To determine the extent to which benchmarking aspect of TQM is assisting in the development of CPSS in CDN; To ascertain the extent to which Continuous Improvement technique of TQM is assisting in improving academic performance in CPSS in CDN; To establish the challenges faced by managers in the implementation of TQM in CPSS in CDN; To assess ways of enhancing the implementation of TQM in CPSS in CDN. 
 Methodology: Concurrent, qualitative and quantitative, methods of data collection and analysis were employed. A total of four CDN secondary schools participated in the study. The target population was 64 teachers, 4 managers, 4 principals. The sample size of teachers was 54 (84%), 4 (100%) managers and 4(100%) principals. Cross-sectional survey was used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data using an interview guide and a questionnaire. Qualitative data were summarized into main thematic areas while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistical method such as frequency and percentages with the aid SPSS version 23.0. Tables and pie charts were used for presentation and interpretation of the data. Research ethics were upheld throughout the study. 
 Results: The research established that Benchmarking is not implemented and the Continuous Improvement aspect is not well implemented in the Schools. The study recommended that schools should implement the TQM elements; Continuous Improvement and Benchmarking to improve performance and enhance the growth of the schools. It was evident that lack of resources was one of the major problems in TQM implementation. 
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy, and Practice: The study recommended the prioritization of resources to enable the scarce resources to be used for improvement of schools’ growth and enhancement of the performance. These findings will be useful to policy makers, parents, county governments and in as well as adding knowledge to academia in education related studies. It will be of great benefit to the CDN in enhancement of growth and development of its schools.