The culture of excellence and its dimensions in higher education

PurposeTo recognize the existing state of knowledge on a culture of excellence (CoE) in higher education institutions (HEIs) and to define the CoE in HEI and the dimensions that make up that culture. A subsidiary goal is to propose a qualitative tool to measure CoE maturity.Design/methodology/approachThe study was based on the qualitative method, the preferred reporting system of systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA). Next, the conceptual work method was used.FindingsA research gap in the topic of CoE in HE has been confirmed. The CoE's own definition has been proposed, as well as a set of seven dimensions that comprise it, such as: Clear vision, mission and goals for excellence; Leadership oriented to excellence; Employee engagement; Human resources management; Meeting and exceeding student and staff expectations; Continuous improvement of processes through innovation and excellent practices; and Partnership and teamwork for improvement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study research was limited to open-access articles. Therefore, in the future, the search can be broadened to include monographs or doctoral dissertations, and other peer-reviewed studies. The research implications are related to the originality of our work and the proposals of two concepts – a CoE model and a CoE maturity assessment tool.Practical implicationsLeaders at universities, e.g. rectors and deans, can take into account the identified dimensions and progressively provide them as conditions conducive to achieving above-average levels.Originality/valueThis is the first literature review on CoE in HEIs, which can be considered an original contribution to science and practice. The original contribution of the paper is also the proposal of a CoE conceptual model and a CoE maturity assessment tool.