The Limits of Leadership as a Barrier to Quality Assurance in Higher Education in Algeria

Abstract Since 2010, Quality Assurance (QA) has been officially adopted and has become a priority of the Higher Education (HE) system in Algeria. This study is part of this framework and aims to explore the role of leadership in the QA process as perceived by Quality Management Managers (QMRs). It is based on a qualitative approach through interviews with 27 QMRs from different institutions. Content analysis technique was used to analyse data. The results show that QMRs consider the lack of commitment and involvement of institutions’ higher management as a major constraint to the success of quality processes. The study reveals that the main barrier to QA is related to the limitations of institutions’ governance, which do not promote autonomy and effectiveness. The study suggests that two elements seem to be crucial: autonomy and training/awareness of institutions’ higher managers. Those elements are closely linked and could be at the origin of the success or failure of quality mechanisms.