RE: TQM-like stuff for WC--reply

[Eric Crump <wleric@showme.missouri.edu>]

No, I think cynical is a good way for Dave to self-describe. Cynicism
being the stance of the disappointed optimist & all. That's where I think
TQM/CQI get in trouble. As Jeanne notes, it's not the philosophy but the
applications of it that are the problem. And the heart of the problem for
us is the fact that the philosophy sets up some high expectations of real
power-sharing, but the typical application does not implement
power-sharing in real or meaningful ways. The problem is not with TQM but
with our violated expectations. 

I think, to answer Neal's question, TQM *would* fundamentally reshape the
institutional configuration of power *if* the principles were really
followed, not just propped up as another empty gesture (as so often
happens). 

An example of just how fine the line of real commitment vs. empty gesture
is: On our campus we're big into CQI. A high-level administrator last year
directed coordinators of units in his jurisdiction to form reading groups
so they could learn about and discuss CQI. A good idea. 

He didn't join any of the discussion groups.

Bad idea.

This is a person whose vision and energy I highly respect. But I think he
crippled the whole project by failing to participate fully at the same
level of his crew. Even though his reasons may have been sound (too busy,
or whatever), by failing to dive in *with* us, he effectively remained
aloof from the common folk, solidifying his position in the traditional
hierarchy, thereby undercutting any hope of actually implementing the very
principles he asked us to study. 

He took the teacherly road. He could order us to read the book and discuss
it, and we did. But he couldn't order us to embrace a philosophy he wasn't
willing to *enact* himself. 

It's awfully *hard*, though, for those in the upper reaches of hierarchies
to let go of some of their privilege and authority. They can quickly be
judged failures and come under serious pressure to impose control. We may
be disappointed by the failure of our leadership to commit to TQM, but we
have to acknowledge that it's very risky for them to make radical changes. 

--Eric Crump