Quality management in Europe: a cultural perspective

The purpose of the study reported in this article has been to explore and describe the influence of some national cultures on the way quality management is practised. Case studies have been carried out in the UK, Germany, France and Italy. Some differences in focus have been found. These are related to cultural theory. Hofstede’s dimensions of power distance and uncertainty avoidance are relevant for understanding the variation. The managerial implications of the differences are also discussed, notably with reference to multinational companies. Some different aspects to consider when quality initiatives are taken in the countries in question are proposed.