Question

Baird and colleagues report on a study of 364 business units from the manufacturing and service sectors in Australia. Their study examined four core TQM practices: process management, the quality and reporting of data, supplier quality management and product and/or service design. Their findings suggest that respect for colleagues and teamwork are critical components for enhancing total quality management implementation.

1. Can you explain the link between quality management practices and organisational culture? (I need a new answer)

Answer 1

One of the most important factor to have a successful TQM implementation is the supportive organizational culture. The organizational culture in which core values are teamwork and respect for each other provides a suitable environment where the TQM principles can be implemented. Application of TQM principles requires a great level of commitment, teamwork with trust and faith, team members must respect each other and should be open for any idea or concern. Most of the successful TQM implementation and its success stories come from Japanese FIrms. For example, Toyota has been pioneer in the implementation of the TQM principles in their manufacturing set up. The success key of the Toyota in implementation of the TQM principles lies in the culture of the organization which typically symbolizes the Japanese culture which beliefs in teamwork and respect for team members. TQM principles need to have a supportive and enabling environment for its implementation and the organizational culture plays the most important role in determination of the environment which may or may not support the TQM principles and implementation philosophy.

Therefore, we can conclude that the quality management principles and the organizational cultures are mutually rewarding if they are in sync.