An Analysis of Iran's Experience in Privatization of Education: A Qualitative Assessment of Non-Governmental Schools’ Status with Emphasis on Indicators of European Foundation for Quality Management Excellence Model

Abstract

Privatization of education in Iran has experienced many ups and downs. This trend has been largely influenced by theoretical debates of proponents and opponents of establishment of non-governmental schools. For this reason, few studies have evaluated situation of non-governmental schools based on models of management science. The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of Iran's experience in the process of education privatization through a qualitative review of non-governmental schools’ status with emphasis on indicators of EFQM model. To this aim, Grounded theory approach, a semi-structured interview and content analysis were of great help. Findings showed that in all nine dimensions of the EFQM model, the performance of non-governmental schools was moderate. The research findings also confirmed the effect of contextual and intervening conditions on dimensions of model. According to findings, the experience of Islamic Republic of Iran in privatizing education compared to other developing countries shows how the performance of this economic sector can be affected by conditions inside and outside the organization.