Impact of the application of ISO 9001 standards on the climate and satisfaction of the members of a school

What is it about?

Recently, the application of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in educational institutions has become widespread, in an effort to improve diverse processes and results in schools. However, there are very few studies that enable us to confirm whether these QMS bring true changes that are sustainable over time and lead to improvements in these institutions. This study thus aims to assess the impact the implementation of ISO:9001 STANDARDS has had on school climate and on the satisfaction of the members of the educational community at 80 Spanish preschools, primary and secondary schools in different Autonomous Communities. The analyses performed show conclusive results regarding the impact of ISO:9001 STANDARDS on teachers’ involvement in improving the school’s climate, conflict resolution by the management team, and in families’ involvement and satisfaction with the school. However, no apparent evidence was found of the impact on relations among teachers, conflict resolution among staff members, and the perception of satisfaction by the teachers themselves. Furthermore, greater impact of the ISO STANDARDS was identified in schools from certain regions (Valencia and Andalusia), in state-assisted private schools, in smaller schools, and in institutions which have been implementing the QMS for longer periods of time. The management team also perceived a greater improvement in climate than did teachers.

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