Mid Sweden University

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the results from a questionnaire assessing the quality culture used recurrently in order to better understand strengths and challenges in regards to developing a sustainable Quality Management (QM) culture. 

Methodology: A previously developed questionnaire aiming at assessing the quality culture in an organization was handed out to all preschool principals in a Swedish municipality on four occasions during a research project aiming at developing the principals’ ability to work with QM. The results was analysed statistically using SPSS to compare the results from the first and the fourth measurement point. 

Main Findings: The results shows a general higher level of agreement to the statements and that 13 of the 42 statements had statistically significant differences between the first and the last measurement point, representing seven of the 14 factors in the questionnaire. The factors regarding information and the internal system view seems to be most affected during the project period. The results also indicates a movement from a more person (principal) centred focus towards a more systemic view.

Practical implications: Using the questionnaire regularly can help an organization to monitor and create a deeper understanding and knowledge regarding how leaders and co-workers assess the quality culture. This can in turn be a foundation for future strategic efforts towards an organisations vision and goals.

Originality/value: The longitudinal use of the survey in one organization. 

Type of paper: Research paper