TY  - JOUR
A1  - Ansmann, Moritz
A1  - Seyfried, Markus
T1  - Isomorphism and organizational performance
T2  - Quality assurance in education
N2  - Purpose Quality management has become an integral part of management reforms in public sector organizations. Drawing on a new institutionalist perspective, this study aims to investigate the relation of management reforms and organizational performance in the context of higher education. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyse the interaction between isomorphic conformity in quality management adoption, organizational learning and quality improvement and, in so doing, address the central theoretical question of what effects isomorphic conformity has on organizational performance. Empirically, the study draws on survey data from quality managers at public higher education institutions in Germany. Methodically, it applies confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. Findings The results suggest that mimetic isomorphism is surprisingly compatible with processes of organizational learning, and thus, does not inevitably compromise organizational development. Originality/value By presenting these findings, the authors contribute to the controversial theoretical debate concerning the effects of isomorphism and to the ongoing discussion regarding the organizational impact of quality management in higher education.
KW  - Quality management
KW  - Quality assurance
KW  - Higher education
KW  - Structural
KW  - equation modelling
KW  - New institutionalism
Y1  - 2021
UR  - https://publishup.uni-potsdam.de/frontdoor/index/index/docId/58193
SN  - 0968-4883
SN  - 1758-7662
VL  - 30
IS  - 1
SP  - 135
EP  - 149
PB  - Emerald Group Publishing Limited
CY  - Bingley
ER  -