Change for Quality Enhancement at Higher Education Institutions in Pakistan: Views of Institutional Leaders

Abstract

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are playing a vital role in improving the standards of society through capacity building and professional development of people. However, developing countries are still in a race of reaching on appropriate standards of quality at HEIs. Present research study is based on perceptions, views and experiences of institutional leaders about change for quality enhancement at HEIs. Research study is qualitative and follows interpretive research paradigm. Data were collected from purposively selected participants through semi structured interviews. Participants included institutional leaders of three universities and the Director, Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. Interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed qualitatively through categorizing and then coding (open, axial and selective). Research findings showed that positive changes are required for improving the quality of HEIs. Institutional leaders highlighted factors including culture that affect quality enhancement at HEIs. They recognized the positive role of Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) and QAA for quality enhancement. However, a need for improvement in evaluation tools was communicated by them. Participants shared how they monitor the progress of change processes and manage the resistance in the way of change for quality enhancement in HEIs.