From compliance to care: stimulating change in a New Zealand polytechnic

Abstract

UNITEC is attempting to shift from a paradigm that views quality as systems compliance to a paradigm of personal care and individual responsibility where quality is about making a real difference in classrooms. A set of ‘quality principles’ has been developed to replace comprehensive standards and processes specified in the existing quality-management system. Staff are encouraged to develop tailored processes, through controlled pilots, rather than unthinkingly implementing predefined institutional procedures. Experience to date is outlined, focusing on whether a paradigm shift might be achieved through this model or whether the institute is simply moving from one form of compliance to another.