In search of quality: the quality management experience in Singapore Available to Purchase

The total quality management (TQM) literature has largely been based on experience in Japan, the USA and the UK, however, other countries especially those in South‐east Asia remain under‐researched. In this paper we consider the experience of the quality management (QM) movement in Singapore. With the trend towards globalisation, it is inevitable that Singapore companies will increasingly have to compete with those from developed economies. The implication for Singapore firms is that they will have to provide world‐class quality products and services in order to have a share of the global market. This research examines the extent and nature of QM in Singapore private sector companies, and the issues that have arisen from this study based on an exploratory survey. We use aspects of the Baldrige criteria in order to determine the progress of QM‐practising companies in Singapore towards the objectives of TQM. We conclude that while there is some evidence of familiarity with TQM ideas and principles, there is a long way to go for Singapore in terms of achieving a TQM culture.