Giving effect to quality audit recommendations: a case study from an organisational culture perspective

Abstract

This article summarises the results of a study of the effects of quality audit at an institution over time. The findings from four academic audit reports, prepared for one New Zealand university between 1996 and 2009, yielded a large dataset. Once grouped thematically for analysis, the data were analysed in terms of how well the institution responded to auditors’ recommendations by introducing changes. Inferences were drawn about the organisational culture of the institution. The model used for the analysis may be applicable to other institutions wishing to review their own quality assurance progress over time.

Keywords:

• academic quality assurance
• organisational culture
• quality audit
• sense making