Total Quality Management (Tqm) Practices In Selected Private University Libraries In Ghana

ABSTRACT The push to adopt Total Quality Management (TQM) for effective service provision has gained root in many academic libraries especially those in the developed world. This study sought to explore the total quality management principles being implemented in the selected private university libraries in Ghana. The main TQM principles which were given attention were TQM awareness, Top management commitment, encouragement and participation, training, strategic planning, and potential TQM challenges. The study was guided by a conceptual framework developed by the researcher. The study adopted a survey design, implemented using a mixed method approach. Questionnaire and interviews were the main instruments used for data collection. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics reported in tables and frequency distributions, and thematic content analysis. The study revealed that: the majority of the staff in the selected libraries were partially aware of the TQM concept; there have been some quality improvement initiatives in the libraries; top management are perceived by the majority as being committed to quality services; views of staff had been evaluated and implemented by management; staff felt a sense of belongingness and valuability. Some of the training programmes identified in the study were job rotation, orientation for new staff, workshops, seminars, and mentoring. The study also revealed that the libraries lacked short and long-term strategic plans. Some of the potential challenges of TQM were lack of recognition and reward, inadequate resources, lack of strategic planning, and inadequate top management commitment. Generally, the study concluded that some aspects of TQM principles were already implemented, although all the libraries lacked a TQM policy. Based on the findings, the study recommended that there should be the establishment of TQM policies, training policies, strategic planning, and provision of adequate resources.