Sector‐wide transformational leadership – how effectively is the EFQM Excellence Model® used in the UK FE sector?

Abstract

This seminal study investigates the use of the EFQM Excellence Model® in the UK Further Education sector. Following initial interviews with Senior Managers and Quality Consultants, an online survey was sent to Principals and Senior Managers in all Colleges across the UK to critically investigate the relationship between the use of the Model and ‘culture change’. The results indicated a positive correlation between use of the Model in FE Colleges and improved financial status, more transparent mechanisms to balance stakeholder expectations and improved mapping of processes and compliance. However, there was no significant difference in the achievement of top inspection grades or in raising staff morale. There are also significant differences in the use of the model in different regions of the UK. Therefore, transformational leaders should use the EFQM Excellence Model® over a long term to embed its underlying principles of Total Quality Management.

Keywords:

• EFQM Excellence Model®
• total quality management
• transformational leadership
• sector leading practice
• benchmarking

Notes

1. The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) is a not‐for‐profit membership organisation, based in Brussels, which was founded in 1988. It is the primary source for organisations in Europe looking to excel in their market and their business. The EFQM vision is ‘a world in which organisations in Europe excel’ and its mission is ‘to be the driving force for sustainable excellence in organisations in Europe’.