A.

CHANGES IN INSTITUTIONAL LEADERSHIPS AND TRANSFORMATION

The study seeks out changes in institutional leaderships and the transformations

necessary in any competitive serving institutions. Shared secrets of successes including

strategies and practices that have been implemented and the challenges that comes with

it for the institution to move forward was explored. Much of the communal opinion by

the respondents pertains to the changes made by ISO standard being implemented in the

institution. Respondent A elucidated that their school was transformed by ISO standard

as it is good and timely for accreditation purposes and is very much helpful in the job

seeking graduates of their school or institution, ISO standardization of any institution is

an additional factor.

Colleges and universities much as the training centers in the Philippines might

lose precise standards when it comes to quality education and services to their clienteles

in the absence of an ISO standardization. Such institutions are expected to deliver a high

level and quality services as what is expounded by Respondent B that “Yes, ISO

standardization will suggest that one college or university will deliver quality education

and satisfaction to their clienteles- the students.” Factors may be considered in this area,

such as the demand from the government, the clienteles or the students that are increasing

and thus putting emphasis on the pressure for the deployment of resources and efficiency

of the institution. Furthermore, the maturation of the education and some training sectors

in terms of established economic sector laterally with many other service sectors of the

like. This is a pattern in terms of instruction change and some training models that are

also changing from one that is supply driven learning to demand led learning.

Consequently, educators are unconscious of such development that seems inevitable.

That is why ISO standardization of an institution as what was reiterated by Respondents

A and B is one logical step to achieve competitive advantage.

Also, ISO standardization is a great improvement in terms of management of

documents as well as specific process that are observed because of ISO standardization

of institutions, delivery of services is made accessible to the clientele and this leads to

practiced quality insurance. This is one benefit of ISO certification to any educational

institute. Another respondent said that there was a great deal of improvement when it

comes to morale – perchance the respondent is making a statement about the boost of

morale when one’s institution follows a standard that is accepted and practiced by

institutions renowned for excellence in terms of educational services. Respondent E

mentioned about a systematic order of procedure thus allowing provisions of procedures

manual in terms of transactions in reference to orders. Moreover, the provision of

Procedures Manual or what is termed as PM and the Quality Manual as what is termed

(QM) as a good reference material in the conduct of all the organizational operations. It

is also believed, as elicited from the respondents, that to be able to be one institution that

is ISO standardized – one means to have met all international standards and thus one

respondent said that such institution who follows or is ISO standardized gives one a sense

of pride that one belongs to such institution. One respondent even said that it is not just

the pride that is what is elicited from belonging to one institution that is ISO standardized,

but one can feel happy and contented belonging to one institution that is ISO standardized.

Similarly, one respondent held that ISO certification or standardization helps in

organizing systems and verifying processes and countered himself with the thought of

transformation that does not come from a third party but by the leadership and
 management of its employees. Another respondent saw opportunity in one institution

that is ISO standardized. Comparable to success to everyone comprising the institution

and the respondent even claimed that it can make an employee or clientele to strive more

and maintain best the standard implemented. Some say that it is inspiring because many

concerns were addressed especially academic aspects of one’s institution that follows ISO

standard as it is the aim of one’s institution in craving for ISO standardization is to Level

Up as stated by respondent D.

B. ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Talking about changes in school leadership after the implementation of the ISO

standard and the opinion of the respondents by such change gave insight into the truth

that some are not affected, their only orientation and focus is on the tasks and terms of

reference for it to be enhanced and conformed with the ISO standard. Some are

contradictory, they say that ISO not only transformed leadership per se but the essence of

servanthood is also enhanced. This means that it sanctifies the leadership of the

employees in their institution- it sanctifies the leadership qualities, management and

styles embodying principles and policies. As adhering to the ISO standards is also

equated to strict adherence to standards observable. Designations given to personnel is

not only based on trust and confidence but also to the educational qualification and

relevant experience and trainings of the personnel of the institution – this referring to the

administrative and teaching staff of one’s institution. But contrary to some, one

respondent said that there are no changes in the school leadership, it only added more
trainings and seminars for personal growth and improvement. Workshops are also added

for the growth and convenience of the concerned offices.

Respondent D believed that everyone in the organization whether belonging to

the top management or may they be in rank and file, the reference or guide that is the

Procedures Manual or what is called PM and the Quality Manual or what is termed as

QM best exemplifies what is needed and what is changed. If there are changes regarding

the leadership, they (the changes) is for the good of the institution or college to be at par

with other institution that are ISO standardized, as everything follows a system.

Respondent C strongly believed the opposite as he said that there was no change

in leadership only in the way that the employees work or view at the management.

Nonetheless, respondent E found it very good that the leadership in their

institution has been transformed as well by ISO. They now see things in different

perspectives and in different views. That is, they do not settle anymore for mediocrity,

they always wanted what is best and what is good for all following the international

standards.

Another respondent (A) observed a fifty percent changed in leadership, this is

because for respondent A there are some if not all policies which must be followed,

including policies and rulings, were put in place. Because, according to respondent B,

this may be because ISO has become part of the budget, priority and agenda. Leadership

is influenced by the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the school. And that the

governing majority appreciated the appropriateness of the international standard and the

change, if not in its totality, by the top management. Because in order for the employees

to do their best, the institution must be with them- proper protocols must be practiced and
recognition is there because the institution is being recognized by the international

organization.

With the recognition afforded to an institution as ISO standard, clienteles can

expect major improvements and accomplishment from such institution. Some are as

follows, as elicited from respondent A, internal policies were attuned to ISO standards.

Thereby accomplishing smooth workflows and outputs. Students and graduates of such

institutions and their OJT or On-the-Job trainees were hired by companies who are also

ISO compliant; recognizing the same standards. Achievements were recognized in

general but unfortunately is not applicable to some individuals.

Respondent B testified that there is a boom in the institution- embracing ISO 2015

version justifies performance achievements of all, not only for the students, teachers, staff

and administration as well, but this is extended to all making their institution level III

following ISO standard and center of excellence in region 9. With the school’s or

institutions recognition as ISO standard, the prestige and honor are greatly felt and a great

moral booster for everyone in the said institution. And this is also felt by their clienteles

– the students, who are sent out for OJT or the On-the-Job training and practicum, as they

are better preferred by companies because they belong to an institution that is ISO

certified. Conversely, the institution went to additional accreditation bodies and they

were also recognized and given preference in trainings and seminars to further understand

the Procedures Manual and Quality Manual. Such trainings given for enhancement in the

section service that which includes documentation, filing, flow of transactions and the

implementation of 8S that which became major accomplishments for the said institution.

All stakeholders recognized the institutions achievements, such as records being in place
 and names (clienteles) are in the international market for employment. With the provision

of the Procedures Manual and the Quality Manual, it became the bases in all the

procedures and processing of documents. Thus, everyone became conscious of their

actions on the bases of what is stated in the Procedures and Quality Manual.

Following the ISO certification of the institutions (of the respondents) they also

were able to experienced some bonuses such as accreditation by the AACCUP or the

Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. and

other accreditation bodies that audited their institution. Another respondent gave a

similar reply as elucidated in the discussion above that documents are now well managed,

protocols are strictly adhered to, events are well organized, properly documented and the

faculty and staff as well as the students are developed by sending these individuals to

programs and trainings internationally. Achievements are recognized by honoring

achievers through programs and during special tributes. Their institution was able to

achieve many outer agency funding. The road paved is not smooth and they also

reiterated the hardships that their institution faced.

C. INSTITUTIONAL IMPROVEMENTS

The respondents were also asked for their insights on the ISO standard and the

improvement of the faculty and administration relation. In the early phase there were no

improvements, but later relations improved as both parties became aware and they already

understood the needs of the changes to be instituted for the realization of the goals of the

school or institution then ISO. It made life and work easy, therefore made relationship

also caring instead and there were more sensitivity and responsiveness to one’s needs.
Also, ISO standard has greatly and positively contributed to better relationship among the

employees, they were able to share each other’s resources that is much evident to some

people. Paving the way for an increase in team building and camaraderie among

concerned offices and personnel. The ISO standards, guided by the Procedures and

Quality Manual made this supposed change in relationship among employees of the said

institution become obligatory and moral contact was also observed in all the transactions

of the institution. Because one element that makes an institution successful, is a healthy

relationship between the faculty and administration. There should never be a gap or

conflict for efficiency to foster. Such as handling the documents- this must be in place,

it must not create conflict among members in the said office as such the faculty members

has better understanding of the administration as to what is demanded of them and vice

versa. Respondent E said that there is one major improvement achieved through ISO

standardization in addition to the above-mentioned improvements, faculty-personnel

relationship and faculty-administration relationships are harmonized not just

professionally within the four corers of the institution, but also outside the four walls, the

social grounds.

But then again contrary to the claim of some respondents, as narrated in the above

discussion, since it is evidenced based (ISO Standards), its process sometimes are

perceived as a lack of trust and therefore conflicts arises from those who conform and

those who do not. This will lessen the teamwork for the achievement of the common goal

and improvement will not be attained.

In relating to tuition policy of the institution, respondent A said that he cannot talk

on the matter as he does not have any data to support his claim, but respondent B impacted
 on the claim that the government ensures that with a much bigger budget involved, the

quality management system has in fact identified institutional gaps which needs to be

addressed as to meet the requirement mandated in the new RA. With the free Tuition

Policy, more students go to school because of the belief that ISO accreditation is

tantamount to quality service, quality education. And these help in the increase of new

enrollees, except Maritime Course which was based on the carrying capacity. ISO has

nothing to do with the implementation of the Tuition Policy anyway, however, the

processing of the documents and records becomes in order because of the guidance of the

provisions as stated in the Procedures and Quality Manuals.

D. INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES

There are advantages through ISO standard adherence, as narrated by respondent

B, since their school is ISO equipped this follows that their students are too. Their

graduates acquired competent skills and effective decision-making qualities with minimal

supervision because they know how ISO system works. Moreover, faculty members who

instill ISO standards and principles improve job performance to improve too. So, the ISO

2015 increased their prestige, credibility and competitiveness. It insinuates cost

efficiency through effective use of available resources yet the best means of immediate

response to more opportunities and strengths. There are companies and agencies who

prefer to hire applicants who come from ISO accredited institution of course not putting

aside the academic credentials as well as the relevant eligibilities and trainings. The

faculty sees to it that their teaching is acceptable to the standards set. Constant monitoring

of performance of teachers by the immediate supervisor had an impact in terms of their

preparation. The institution has an edge over those who do not have ISO certification. In

relation to companies once applying for a job and experience they also have the

motivation to teach better. And when asked for their (respondents) expectation of their

institution 10 years from now, unanimously they said that their institution be the center

of excellence.