Leadership Competencies for Effective Quality Improvement: A Qualitative Study of Best Practices and Success Factors in High-Performing Organizations

Leadership drives organizational quality improvement. However, leadership skills for quality improvement are understudied. This qualitative study aims to identify and explore the leadership competencies associated with effective quality improvement practices in high-performing organizations. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with key leaders and managers from a diverse range of high-performing organizations known for their exemplary quality improvement efforts. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select participants who possessed extensive experience and expertise in quality improvement initiatives. Thematic analysis was used to identify key leadership competencies and success factors associated with effective quality improvement. The analysis of interview data revealed several key leadership competencies. These competencies included visionary leadership, effective communication, strategic thinking, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, empowering, and engaging employees, promoting collaboration and teamwork, and being adaptable and open to change. Furthermore, the study identified specific success factors such as leadership support, resource allocation, employee involvement, data-driven decision-making, and performance measurement and feedback mechanisms. This study sheds light on how high-performing companies' executives may enhance their companies' quality. Successful quality improvement projects need visionary leadership, good communication, and a culture of continual improvement. The success elements stress leadership support, staff participation, and data-driven decision-making in quality improvement activities. These qualities may help executives lead and assist quality improvement efforts in their firms, improving performance and customer satisfaction. For successful quality improvement, companies need leadership capabilities.