Rethinking quality management in higher education: experiences from Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to explore the critical role of quality management in supporting sustainable lecturer capacity development in Indonesian higher education. It examines how universities adopt adaptive strategies to align professional development with institutional and national educational goals more effectively. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative multiple-case study design was used across six universities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with quality managers and lecturers and were analysed thematically to capture the interplay between structure, culture and daily academic practices. Findings The results highlight three key strategies: needs-based internal training, participation in external professional development and the strengthening of collaborative discussion forums. Active management involvement is crucial for fostering an adaptive, participatory quality culture that goes beyond bureaucratic compliance towards transformative capacity building. Research limitations/implications This study focuses on selected Indonesian universities; future research could extend the inquiry to include various institutional contexts or use mixed-methods. Practical implications The findings provide guidance for university leaders and policymakers in designing context-sensitive professional development systems. Originality/value This study offers novel insights into how quality management frameworks can be reframed as dynamic and participatory mechanisms for academic capacity building in developing countries.