University of Macau Library

Author: Swaffin-Smith, Chirs; Barnes, Richard
Title: So what is so different about TQM?
Journal Name: Euro Asia Journal of Management
Pub. Info: Dec. 2003, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 159-170
Abstract: Abstract : In this article the authors argue that an inappropriate culture is the root cause of management failure to introduce TQM effectively. They consider the fundamental impact that different staring cultures may have on the relative success or failure of a TQM implementation. A number of paradigms are described that relate to employees' medium term response to the implementation of TQM. Finally a number of key steps that a committed management team need to take a measure that a TQM implementation is as successful as possible are identified. Paragraph Headings: 1. Introduction 2. What is TQM? 3. Responses to a TQM implementation 3.1. The dismissive reaction 3.2. Case study A 3.3. The substantiated reaction 3.4. Case study B 3.5. The wishful thinking reaction 3.6. Case study C 4. The fundamental importance of culture 5. The relative propensity for TQM to "fail" within the context of corporate culture 6. Complete cultural mismatch 6.1. Case study D 7. Cultural differences within the same organisation 8. The role of the top management 9. Other problems with cultures 10. Conclusions