Total quality management in secondary schools in Kenya: extent of practice

Abstract

Purpose -To investigate the extent to which secondary schools practiced aspects of total quality management (TQM). Design/methodology/approach -A cross-sectional research design was used in this study. A sample of 300 teachers in a residential session during a school holiday provided their perceptions on the practice of TQM in their schools. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Findings -Board of Governors and chairpersons in secondary schools are not providing the necessary leadership that would promote TQM practices necessary for schools' continuous improvement. However, some head teachers are providing the required leadership with a considerable number of school managements empowering their employees. The majority of schools are not committed to strategic quality planning, though they do promote human resource development initiatives.Research limitations/implications -The study relied on an accessible sample of practising teachers drawn from M.Ed and PGDE students on a one-month residential session in a public University. There is likelihood that schools from all the regions of the country were not represented. Practical implications -School management is expected to provide leadership that promotes TQM practices in order to achieve set objectives. Empowered employees participate in decision-making and are capable of increasing the quality of learning. Strategic quality planning is important for the provision of quality services while human resource development is necessary in schools to motivate and realise the maximum potential from employees. Originality/value -The study provides research information on the Kenyan education system and quantifies the extent to which it is being practiced.

The Influence of Employee Empowerment on Competitive Advantage in Hospitals within Nairobi, Kenya

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The predictive influence of access factor on quality of secondary education in remote areas of Southwestern Nigeria

“…The study showed that enrolment increased faster among households that experienced more increases in wealth. Another study by [37] in Kenya equally attested to the significance of household incomes on access to education. It was established, that household decisions by parents or guardians to enroll their wards in secondary schools are determined by household income level.…”

Total Quality Management System in an Education Environment: The Case of a Private University in Bahrain

“…Zgaga (2000) explained that students are the real customers in higher educational institutions. Ngware et al (2006) demonstrated that TQM is an appropriate framework for change and improvement in the school environment. Campatelli et al (2011) asked 300 Kenyan secondary school teachers about their perceptions of TQM and found that the central educational authorities are not providing the necessary leadership which could promote TQM practices.…”