TQM – a holistic view

Notes that while total quality management has elements in behavioural and culture change which look to empowerment, the reality has been a selective, if not cynical, use of tools and language. Points out that successful TQM initiatives abound and that often they involve a method of redistributing power within organisations which facilitates a change of perception of roles and values. Argues that auditing the process relies on clear objective measurement that will keep organisations “honest” and that this also helps keep the direction of efforts visible and on target.