Quality: An Organising Principle for Higher Education?

Abstract This paper discusses the barriers and opportunitites facing higher education when assessing the usefulness of ‘quality as an organising principle’ for institutions. Four general definitions of quality are identified alongside a number of operational dimensions of quality. Both internal and external pressures towards quality of performance and service are outlined. Private sector and higher education quality systems are examined, and conclusions are drawn which emphasize the challenges ahead for leaders of higher education institutions.