Applying leadership criterion of the European excellencemodel for achieving quality management in higher education institutions

Abstract

This paper examined the leadership criterion of the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model in its practices and effects for sustaining quality improvement in higher education institutions. The paper identifies leadership as one of the critical success factors for sustaining continuous improvement, not only in profit making organizations but also in non-profit service organizations such as the university. The paper analyzed the literature on leadership in different areas of quality improvement. First, from providing clear direction and direction setting by producing vision, mission and values of the institution, and engaging in process review and management of the university, to responding to the needs and expectations of students and other stakeholders to championing organizational change. The paper highlighted critical areas of leadership in strategic capacity building in higher education management. © Copyright 2007 by Academic Leadership.