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University of Hull

Spirit of change : a quest for the heart of quality

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

Why do quality initiatives work in some organisations but not in others? In a quest to discover the heart of quality, this thesis sets change programmes within the context of a turbulent global environment, where learning to adapt is the key to survival. The research explores how individuals, organisations and government use learning to promote change, as well as respond to it. Two case studies demonstrate how management style can influence learning, and hence the changes needed to achieve 'real' quality.Seeking to achieve quality through systems and procedures provides only nominal quality. This research suggests that, for some people at least, work is used for self-fulfilment, and in the quest for 'real' quality, aspirations for self-fulfilment within the workplace must be addressed. By using the metaphor of 'work as part of the heroic quest' for self-fulfilment, links are made between Maslow's concept of self-actualisation and the new literature on organizational 'soul' and spiritual intelligence.The conclusion is that if 'real' quality is the goal, self-fulfilment is the path. By establishing a community of learners in the workplace, tremendous energy - the spirit of change - is released and that energy leads straight to the heart of quality.

Degree

thesis:*
Name dc:type.qualificationname
PhD
Level dc:type.qualificationlevel
Doctoral
Grantor dc:publisher.institution
University of Hull
Year dc:date.issued
2001

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Garrod, Jean Pearl

Subjects

dc:subject × 1

Rights

Language dc:language
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Identifier
oai:hull-repository.worktribe.com:4214260
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:hull-repository.worktribe.com:4214260

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
University of Hull
Base URL
hull-repository.worktribe.com/oaiprovider
Last updated
2026-07-24
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
related terms
citation

Garrod, Jean Pearl. Spirit of change : a quest for the heart of quality. Doctoral thesis, University of Hull, 2001. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/4214260/1/Thesis