The Accreditation Activities of a Private HEI that Bind and Enhance the Structural/Managerial and Cultural/Psychological Elements of Quality Culture

Abstract

Accreditation is associated with quality assurance for continuous improvement. Thus, it is essential to ensure that a quality
culture that gives concrete expression to quality is embedded in higher education institutions (HEIs), especially those pursuing accreditation. The landmark European University Association (EUA) approach to quality culture (QC) came up with a QC
definition that pictures the two QC elements: structural/managerial and psychological/cultural, that work in synergy to nurture QC. Based on this QC approach, this study attempted to understand a Philippine private higher education institution (Pphei henceforth) quality culture through its accreditation-related activities in preparation for the on-site visit of an accrediting agency. The study specifically answered the following questions, with a single Pphei as the research site and its education managers as study participants: What are its preparatory accreditation-related activities? What are its processes and tools? A qualitative, self-study research method allowed education managers to reflect on and report their practices. The findings revealed activities, processes, and tools demonstrating shared values and quality commitment. However, the interplay between the university’s structural/managerial and cultural/psychological elements of QC is strongly felt in limited departments and, therefore, must be expanded to include other units to compound the enhancement of its quality culture.