Leadership Support and Staff Competence on the Effectiveness of ISO 21001:2018 Implementation in a Private Higher Education Institution

Abstract

ISO 21001:2018 is an international standard that helps academic institutions improve the quality of their educational services and management systems. This study examined how middle-level managers’ leadership support and staff competence influence the implementation of ISO 21001:2018. It employed a descriptive-correlational design and was conducted in a private higher education institution in Ozamiz City, Philippines. The respondents were 121 non-teaching personnel identified through census sampling. Leadership Support, Staff Competence, and ISO 21001:2018 Implementation. Questionnaires were used in gathering the data. Weighted mean, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pearson r), and multiple regression analysis were used in analyzing the data. Middle-level managers provide very adequate support, and staff demonstrate very high competence in implementing ISO 21001:2018. The standard is implemented to a great extent within the institution. Leadership support is associated with implementation effectiveness, and staff competence is likewise associated with it. Furthermore, attitudes and work values, knowledge and understanding of ISO standards, and communication and engagement emerged as key predictors of effective implementation. The study concludes that effective ISO 21001:2018 implementation is driven by strong leadership support, high staff competence, and these key factors. It is recommended that the institution sustain leadership support and enhance staff competence through continuous leadership development, targeted training, and strengthened quality assurance practices.