Experienced effects from applying TQM in societal improvement work in a Swedish community

An increasing number of communities use total quality management (TQM) concepts, traditionally connected with business and industry, for societal development. An outstanding example in Sweden is the community of Åseda, where non‐profit organisations, companies, and the public sector collaborate to break negative trends, mainly with the help of typical TQM methodologies. This paper presents a study of the effects experienced by a selection of residents, being one part of a larger study of TQM as a support for societal development. It shows that the general effects are experienced as positive, and so are all the detailed ones, having to do with wellbeing in Åseda. A general conclusion is therefore that these respondents are highly motivated for societal improvement work, although with a realistic view on what has been achieved so far.