Quality Assurance Systems in Turkish Higher Education Institutions: Experiences, Challenges, and Opportunities from an Evaluator's Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to examine the implementation dimension of quality assurance systems in higher education institutions in T & uuml;rkiye from an evaluative perspective. The study was designed using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through purposive sampling and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 evaluators who had received formal training in quality assurance and accreditation processes and participated in at least one external evaluation site visit. The findings show that the quality assurance system improves data-driven decision-making and self-assessment awareness in institutions. The system was found to be successful in increasing stakeholder participation, strengthening sectoral ties through accreditation, and guiding institutional learning. However, it was revealed that cumbersome bureaucracy, manual data collection infrastructure, and excessive documentation burden encountered during the implementation phase caused the system to transform from a development-oriented structure to a document-oriented one. In addition, managerial approaches, communication problems, and limited awareness of quality assurance principles hinder the internalization of quality culture. The sustainability of quality assurance systems depends on corporate ownership, stakeholder engagement, continuous employee development, and the integration of quality management into strategic processes. The application of digital technologies in a way that supports a quality culture also contributes to this process.