Total Quality Management in education: The empowerment of a school community

The purpose of this case study was to investigate the role of leadership and training and development in the implementation of Total Quality Management philosophy and practice in an Australian elementary school. Five research questions were considered: (a) what is the focus of the school; (b) what leadership strategies have been used to assist in the implementation of Total Quality Management; (c) what characteristics of a school committed to Total Quality management were evident in the school; (d) what training and development strategies were demonstrated; and (e) what strategies were used to foster relationships between parents and the school. A qualitative case study methodology was adopted for the study. A school in New South Wales, Australia was selected and data were collected from interviews, from an analysis of school documents and by researcher observation. The focus of the school was quality teaching and learning. A visionary and collaborative leadership style modeled by the principal and leadership team provided the context for teaching and learning programs. Leadership strategies included a team approach to problem solving, collaborative decision making, trust, empowerment, delegation of roles and responsibilities, the provision of opportunities for leadership, continuous improvement of processes, and training and development programs for staff and parents. There was strong evidence to support TQM philosophy, as well as visionary leadership, customer focus, collaborative decision making and empowerment for stakeholders as characteristics of TQM evident within the school. However, there was insufficient evidence to support continuous improvement of processes, decisions based on facts and data, and the provision of relevant tools as significant issues within leadership practice. Training and development strategies included: negotiation of individualized professional development plans; school development meetings and days; and the formation of teams to accomplish tasks within training and development initiatives. A collaborative culture was developed and encouraged in the school. Practices utilized in fostering parent/school relationships included: a leadership model based on collaboration and teamwork, provision of leadership opportunities for parents, effective communication channels, and training and development for parents and community members