APPLYING TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES TO FACULTY SELECTION

This paper outlines a systematic methodology for effecting Total Quali ty Management in higher education decision making with particular atte ntion to the faculty selection process. Following a brief analysis of the application of TQM to higher education in general and consideratio n of the contextual and power relations issues associated with impleme ntation of TQM, a model for integrating Total Quality Management princ iples into the faculty recruitment, identification and selection proce ss is outlined. This model relates the role of vision, mission, planni ng and organizational design with quality concepts (understanding a sy stem and systems theory, leadership, empowerment, client/constituent s atisfaction, team building, and continuous process improvement). Drawi ng upon Marchese and Lawrence's (1987) work wherein they identified ei ght critical processes in the selection of faculty, one critical proce ss - ''Defining the job'' is specifically analyzed using the continuou s improvement methodology as an example of the specific application of TQM techniques to higher education decision making. The model and thi s example provide educational leaders/search committees with an enhanc ed framework within which they can effectively analyze and evaluate fa culty selection processes, criteria for selection, and relevant contex tual issues that will result in the identification and selection of th e best qualified faculty available.