The purpose of this paper is to describe a way to assess the quality culture in an organization using a strength based qualitative approach. The purpose is also to present the result from using the approach in a preschool setting and then analysed in relation to values needed to create a sustainable QM culture.
An interview guide inspired by Appreciative Inquiry (AI) was used in order to identify success factors as perceived by the principals. The success factors were then analysed in relation to sustainable quality values.
The results show that when the principals themselves describes success factors needed to deliver with quality in a preschools setting they focus on leadership, co-workers and conditions for continuous improvements. The values regarding having a holistic view and a customer focus are not so much in focus giving an insight into what needs to be emphasised on when working with the quality culture. In conclusion there seems to be a need to move from an internal to a more external, long-term holistic perspective on quality in order to meet the demands for developing the future generation of children.