A Hypothetical Machiavellian-Type Evaluation System in Education: Contrasting and Reversing the Key Principles of Total Quality Management
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The present study examines the inherently opposing concepts of Machiavellianism and Total Quality Management (TQM) through a structured comparative and analytical framework.By investigating the fundamental divergences between these two paradigms, the research proposes a hypothetical counterexample: the design of a Machiavellian-type evaluation system within an educational institution.Machiavellianism, grounded in principles of manipulation, strategic control, and utilitarian leadership, is critically contrasted with the ethos of TQM, which prioritizes continuous improvement, collaborative processes, transparency, and stakeholder satisfaction.The distinct contribution of this study lies in its methodological innovation, wherein the contrast between Machiavellianism and TQM is not merely outlined, but systematically deconstructed to reveal the theoretical and practical implications for educational leadership and management.Drawing upon a thorough review of both Greek and international literature, the study elucidates the defining characteristics of each paradigm and explores their potential manifestations within the context of educational evaluation systems.Furthermore, the construction of the counterexample serves as a reflective mechanism, facilitating critical engagement with the risks associated with adopting authoritarian and manipulative leadership practices in settings that require ethical governance, participatory decision-making, and a commitment to quality assurance.Finally, the study advances recommendations for further research, emphasizing the necessity of continued investigation into leadership models that support sustainable, ethical, and effective educational administration.Through this approach, the research contributes meaningfully to the broader scholarly discourse on organizational behavior and leadership theory in education.
Author: Keramida Konstantia
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411410404