Chair implementation of Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives

The purpose of this study was twofold. The first purpose was to survey chairs to describe their attitudes toward and knowledge about the continuous quality improvement (CQI) philosophy, determine why department implementation efforts were or were not undertaken, provide a self-assessment of CQI department implementation, and allow for the reporting of existing and planned implementation results. The second purpose was to examine chairs\u27 CQI implementation strategies within their departments and to determine the achieved results. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Education Pilot Criteria were utilized as an assessment template to help achieve this twofold purpose. Focusing on four higher education institutions where efforts had been initiated to institutionalize the CQI process, a two-phase design was utilized, consisting of (1) a descriptive survey to be completed by all chairs from the four institutions, and (2) case studies of four chairs leading CQI department implementation efforts. The survey instrument and interview protocol were developed and structured based on the literature related to chairs\u27 roles, CQI, the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award program, and implementation. Criterion- and purposive-based selection procedures were utilized to select institutions and chairs. Data collection involved surveying, observation, document analysis, and in-depth interviews of chairs, faculty, staff, and administrators. Data analysis was conducted using results from the descriptive survey, transcription and coding of interviews, and information gained from multiple observations. The important role of chair leadership in implementing CQI initiatives and the need for attention to the department\u27s culture were identified. Modeling behavior, timing, and explained reasoning of introduced activities were also found to be key implementation elements. Because of the lack of literature on chairs\u27 roles in implementing CQI initiatives at the department level, this study makes a significant contribution. Of further significance is the understanding chairs, faculty, staff, students, and administrators will gain about the best practices to continuously improve the academic process. As chairs gain knowledge of peers\u27 efforts and administrators recognize chairs\u27 attitudes and needs, they will benefit from the study