Ilze Kairiša

Bio: Ilze Kairiša is an academic researcher from Riga Technical University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Organizational culture & Organization development. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 4 publications receiving 55 citations.

Role of Organizational Culture in the Quality Management of University

Abstract: Organizational culture is directly connected with effectiveness and performance of the organization – the stronger is organizational culture, the more effective is organization. The aim of the paper is to evaluate theoretical aspects of organizational culture and quality management, their interrelation and impact on continuous improvement and development of the University. In order to evaluate the organizational culture of the University the framework of the research was built using modified version of the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI). The research has resulted in creating characteristics of organizational culture and analysis of the factors that affect the development of the organizational culture. It is concluded that university organizational culture makes ground for quality management and is directly connected to development.

Analysis of factors influencing quality culture and their impact on organizational development

Abstract: Total quality management is an approach geared towards the organization’s efforts to continuously improve its ability to provide its customers with high quality products and services. In order for the organization to be able to ensure efficient use of resources, increase productivity and maintain excellent quality, it is necessary to develop quality culture. The aim of the research is to study and analyse the quality culture factors that might influence the continuous improvement and development of the organization’s activities. The research is based on the study of quality culture factors using literature review, qualitative content analysis and the “Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument” developed by Cameron and Quinn. On the basis of the results of a qualitative content analysis, the frequency of the categories of quality culture parameters in the literature was determined; with the help of the method of logical analysis and comparative analysis, the factors of quality culture corresponding to the parameters – dominant features, organizational leadership, employee management, organization glue, strategic goals and success criteria – were identified. An organizational culture based on quality culture principles is a significant factor for utilization of organizational competencies, creating an effective management and resource-oriented approach that is implemented focusing on the organization’s long-term interests and goals. By adopting a total quality management philosophy in the organization’s operations, the company can become more competitive, creating a working environment in which every employee can contribute, as well as facilitating cooperation between team members.

The Relationship between Organizational Culture and Organizational Commitment

Abstract: The main purpose of this research is to investigate the relationship between organizational culture and organizational commitment, in Information Technology (IT) companies in Jordan. A convenience sample was selected from employees working in 24 IT companies in Jordan. A total of 711 questionnaires were distributed among them; 371 were returned, and 342 were valid for statistical analysis, resulting in response rate of 52 percent. Linear regression analysis was also used to test the hypothesis. The results of the analysis indicated that there is a positive and significant relationship between organizational culture and organizational commitment. Based on the results, the research provides several recommendations. IT companies in Jordan should place emphasis on building better culture, in order to achieve higher levels of organizational commitment. The research also suggests that future research should take job satisfaction as a mediator variable of the relationship between organizational culture and organizational commitment.

Quality of higher education: International students’ satisfaction and learning experience

Abstract: Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) are becoming more aware of the effects of globalization and of the fact that the need for international work experience, as well as partially or fully acquired education abroad, is increasing. The aim of the research is to analyze factors influencing international students’ decision regarding the country and HEIs and to evaluate students’ learning experience and satisfaction with their choice to develop suggestions for the improvement of different dimensions related to the quality and export of higher education. Design/methodology/approach Several research methods, such as literature review, logical and comparative analysis, as well as the empirical method to obtain information by conducting a survey, and the induction method to interpret and generalize the survey results are applied in this research. To discover learning experiences and determinants of students’ choice of the host country and HEI, research was carried out, under which two questionnaires were developed. The survey involved foreign students from seven HEIs in Latvia and one Estonian university. Findings The environment in which HEIs operate is becoming more open to the increasing international influence and competition and leads to increasing opportunities for international studies and choice available to students. The quality of the academic staff and study programmes are the most important factors in creating value for the student. As a result of the research, suggestions for higher education quality improvement and export development have been structured within economics, culture and quality dimensions into three levels – individual, institutional and state. Research limitations/implications The study does not analyze the foreign students’ countries of origin in terms of political, economic situations or other factors. Upon researching the proportion of foreign students in Latvian HEIs, it was found that most students acquire education in Riga; therefore, regional HEIs have not been included in the survey. Originality/value The results obtained can be used to improve the quality of higher education and encourage the export of higher education by introducing the necessary changes in the areas identified during the research at the state as well as HEI level. The authors also provide an insight into the areas where implementation of changes is necessary to improve the international students’ level of satisfaction and their learning experience.

Digital Transformation of Organizational Culture under Conditions of the Information Economy

Abstract: This article presents the results of an expert survey as a method of empirical research to identify current problems, barriers, features, trends, and directions of the transformation of organizational culture, and applies the concept of “organizational culture” in evaluating the case of Ukrainian enterprises. First, the authors present the methodological approach, using the analytic hierarchy process, to evaluate the optimal scenario choice for developing the organizational culture of enterprises based on the twelve most important criteria and their systematization into four groups (adaptability, mission, consistency, and involvement). Second, they test a hypothesis that the optimal direction of transforming organizational culture depends on digital transformation which includes introducing digital technologies, information-powered enterprise ecosystems, innovative business models, and efficiency in B2B and P2P communications. Third, they argue that the key barriers hindering the effective development of organizational culture could be provisionally classified into seven groups: personnel, information, organization, marketing, education, technology, and investment-financial. Fourth, the authors evaluate the expediency of applying an integrated approach as a symbiosis and a constant inter-relation of influencing factors, constituent elements, digital competencies and skills, and information technologies. In conclusion, they summarize the findings of the study and discuss formulas to evaluate the impact of digital transformation on the organizational culture of enterprises in the information economy towards a people-oriented, innovative, customer-centric, and agile system in the case of Ukraine.

Sustainability of a university’s quality system: adaptation of the EFQM excellence model

Abstract: Modern trends show that universities are searching for new solutions to increase efficiency and improve quality by considering approaches of quality system development that link with strategy and include extensive analysis of risks, processes and stakeholders. The approach that best fits the institution has to be in line with the institution’s strategic objectives, quality culture and policy and key performance indicators. The purpose of this paper and case study is to discover if sustainable development may be achieved by using an appropriate quality system development approach, such as the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) excellence model.,To analyse sustainability and development of the quality system adapted in a higher-education institution, a literature review of different quality management approaches and models was performed. The research includes a case study of the university’s quality management framework based on an adapted EFQM excellence model emphasising on strategic development in the context of sustainability. The key focus of the research is to discover how universities could better focus on sustainable development and benefit from a quality system based on an adapted EFQM excellence model.,Literature analysis indicated that some of the sustainability development activities a university may use are possible to be integrated through quality system models and development approaches. The findings from the literature suggest that the EFQM excellence model may provide a management framework and a comprehensive overview of a university for identifying necessary improvements and promoting the implementation of advancement activities on the road to sustainable development. The principles of the EFQM excellence model may guide in setting a strategic focus on sustainable development of universities.,Sustainability and sustainable development of a university are analysed in terms of quality aspects of higher education, and the research results reveal the main sustainability elements to be analysed and implemented through a university’s strategy and improvement processes. The Riga Technical University quality system called “RTU Excellence Approach” development analysis is given as a case study.

The Organizational Culture of a Major Social Work Institution in Romania: A Sociological Analysis

Abstract: This study aims to document the specific organizational culture existing in the General Directorate for Social Work and Child Protection (DGASPC) in the Gorj county, Romania. This is a major social work institution in Romania, but one which (like most other social work institutions in this country) have rarely been subject to the type of sociological research as the one reported in this article. The present analysis can help leaders in this organization and other similar organizations to assess and improve the cultural aspects that can influence the achievement of objectives, as well as the quality of the social services provided to service users. Our study has included 286 participants that hold various positions at DGASPC Gorj (social workers, psychologists, and educators). The chosen investigative instrument is the organizational culture assessment instrument (OCAI), a questionnaire designed to interpret organizational phenomena, developed by Cameron and Quinn and based on the conceptual framework of the “competing values framework”. The authors have identified four types of culture (clan, adhocracy, hierarchy, and market culture) and the tool allows an analysis of organizational culture based on the employees’ perception of the existing culture as well as also on their preferences regarding the way they would like to change the organizational culture in the future. The results show that the dominant culture is the hierarchy culture, closely followed by elements of clan culture. Other cultural dimensions are also explored and reported (leadership, success criteria, etc.).