Eureka! Institutional Repository

The present study is a twofold. It attempts to approach on the one hand the subject of evaluation of public servants within the frame of Total Quality Management (TQM) and on the other, to present the legal and historical conditions of minority education in Thrace. The survey addresses questions like how the public sector functions, in which ways it can be more effective, how problems arising from the lack of flexibility and bureaucracy can be overcome for a more satisfied citizen. TQM, one of the most modern structures for management, proved for its effectiveness, is appropriate for the public sector. Its creators and mostly Deming with the fourteen points in his philosophy, lead the change needed to improve the public sector. In order to introduce innovation and changes appropriate handlings, philosophy and strategy are needed for civil servants to be motivated to accept them. The necessity to determine the skills and capabilities of civil servants has always been recognised. Today, however, the reduction of public money available makes the use of human resources to increase their effectiveness imperative. Unfortunately, Greece has not found yet the right way to do so. This survey examines the legislative steps taken to achieve the evaluation of the public sector. It also focuses on the right conditions for a proper assessment, the infrastructure and requirements needed, the methodology which could yield the expected results, as well as the overall help of TQM. In the second part, a research is being conducted on minority education in Thrace. This specialised educational framework for muslims has been in effect since the treaty of Losane (1923). Many changes have been brought since then. The historical factors that determined the changes are mentioned. Latest statistics on the attendance of muslim children and the latest legislation are being investigated. Additionally, issues concerning difficulties arising from the use of two or three languages, the reality of minority education today and how it affects the social integration of muslim children, are examined. To what extent a crosscultural perspective could be of help, is exposed. Finally, the perceptions of minority school directors of the effectiveness of the principles of TQM are examined by questionnaires and the acceptance of the principles of TQM, is confirmed.