Psychological Pressures Resulting from the Application of Total Quality Management Among University Faculty Members

Abstract

University faculty members in the initial stages of implementing Total Quality Management (TQM) face the risk of negative consequences arising from change. This fear intensifies when performing their required tasks in a new work environment. One factor that complicates TQM implementation is the fear of losing their position, authority, or even their job. The implementation of TQM, along with many other management concepts such as curriculum reform or knowledge management, generates feelings of pressure, threat, and fear.

Therefore, the researcher set the following two objectives:

• To identify the psychological pressures resulting from the implementation of TQM among university professors.
• To identify the psychological pressures resulting from the implementation of TQM among university professors.

      To achieve the research objectives, the researcher developed a scale to detect psychological stress resulting from the application of TQM among university professors. The scale consisted of (20) items, and after extracting its psychometric properties, it became (18) items. The researcher also drew (200) male and female faculty members on whom the current scale was applied. After extracting its discriminant validity, the number of items became (18) items. The scale also achieved a reliability of (0.82). When analyzing the sample's responses to the scale items, the results of their responses showed the following:

1. University faculty members generally experience psychological stress as a result of implementing TQM.
2. Gender does not influence the level of psychological stress experienced by university faculty members because of implementing TQM.

      Finally, the researcher presented a set of recommendations and suggestions appropriate to the findings of the current research, as follows:

First - Recommendations:

• The Ministry of Higher Education should hold seminars, conferences and workshops that explain the reasons for the psychological and professional pressures resulting from the application of TQM in universities.
• The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research should reconsider the methods of implementing TQM among university faculty members without causing them psychological stress.
• Researchers and those interested in psychological stress among university faculty members can benefit from the current research tool.
• Increased attention should be paid to setting comprehensive quality standards by higher education institutions that do not cause psychological problems for university faculty.

Secondly-Recommendations:

1-Conduct a study to determine the relationship between occupational stress and academic performance among university faculty members.

2-Conduct a study to determine the relationship between occupational stress and self-esteem among university faculty members.

3. Develop an awareness program to reduce occupational stress among university faculty members.