Quality management in Australian service industries

Reports the results of a survey of quality management practices (QMP) in Australian service companies. Although service industries are much more important contributors to GNP and employment than manufacturing industries, most quality management literature is oriented toward manufacturing. We review relevant parts of that literature, especially that on QMP, and propose a definition of this concept. Provides basic information on the use of QMP in Australian service industries such as what QM practices are used, what training is undertaken, attitudes to QMP and impediments to its adoption. We draw conclusions and suggest areas of potential improvement. The most interesting findings are that, first, although 94 per cent of the companies used at least one QM practice, there is no link between the use of QMP and company size or success, second, most companies are progressive in their dealings with suppliers and customers and, third, view training positively.