Total Quality Management and the culture of a model elementary school: A case study.

摘要

This study investigated the school culture of a model elementary school designated as a model for Total Quality Management (TQM) resulting in a profile of the school's work culture. The study identified the role of Central Office and Site-based Administrators in the development and support of a Quality model, as well as teachers', students', and parents' perspectives of the school's culture.;The case study method provided descriptive data from interviews, observations, documents, and surveys which resulted in twelve cultural themes: Signaling Commitment to a Quality Culture, Decision Making, Organization of Students and Teachers, Systems Thinking, Literacy Focus, Adult Learning, Teamwork and Collaboration, Use of Technology, Utilization of Quality Tools and Processes, Instructional Practices, Climate, and Responsiveness to Internal and External Customers. The Organizational Development Energy System (ODES), a Quality model, provided a conceptual lens within which to report the twelve cultural categories.;Results indicated that a strong commitment to supporting and nurturing the development of a Quality culture exists at both the district and school level. Though only in its second year at the time of the study, the school possesses a highly developed learning culture in which learning for adults and children is valued. The culture is also characterized by strong beliefs in participative management, teamwork, and collaboration. Organizational constancy of purpose and mission drive program development in all areas. The high caliber of the staff, in terms of professionalism and commitment to their work, provides momentum to the continual quality improvement of all aspects of the work culture.