Institutional accreditation in Saudi Arabian higher education: perceptions and involvement

Abstract

A sample of 189 participants from 28 institutions of higher education with baccalaureate programmes in nursing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated in a study using an on-line survey about perceptions towards institutional accreditation. Perceptions about the purpose, process, and motivation to be involved in an institutional accreditation were measured. Teachers in nursing programmes demonstrated a higher perception of the process and purpose of institutional accreditation than programme deans and senior managers; a surprising finding in light of the importance of accreditation to the reputation of institutions housing programmes of nursing. High perceptions of process and purpose were significant predictors to participants being motivated to be involved in the accreditation process. There was a significant association between having more years in teaching and those with experience in accreditation, with motivation to be involved in the accreditation process. Perception of purpose was significantly higher in government compared to private institutions.