Challenges to Successful Total Quality Management Implementation in Public Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Kohat District, Pakistan

Abstract

The current study explores the challenges faced by public secondary schools in successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) in Kohat District. A sample of 25 heads and 75 secondary school teachers selected from 25 public secondary schools through simple random sampling technique was used. Descriptive research designed was used and a self-developed semi-structured questionnaire was used for gathering information from the sample subjects. Descriptive statistics i.e., mean, standard deviation and inferential statistic i.e., t-test were employed for the statistical analysis of the data. The findings showed that public secondary schools face a number of challenges in implementing TQM. The results indicated that ineffective leadership; lack of funding and resources; insubordination of workforce; lack of management commitment; poor and ineffective planning; political interference; and poor teachers’ status and morale were the main challenges faced by public secondary schools in implementing TQM. Based on findings, it was strongly recommended that all the educational institutions should be bound by the competent authorities to adopt the philosophy of TQM. A special professional in-service training programme regarding TQM implementation should be introduced so that secondary school heads may be equipped with the modern techniques of successful TQM implementation. In addition, sufficient funding and infrastructure facilities should be provided to each school on priority basis.

Keywords: Challenges, Successful, Total Quality Management, Implementation, Public Secondary Schools