Assessing the Viability of Quality Management in Organizations - A Retrospective and Prospective Overview with Reference to Pakistan

Abstract

Quality management (QM) is becoming a national priority strategy for most of the nations around the world and is gaining popularity at an ever increasing rate. Successful organizations around the globe are realizing the importance of quality management and embracing it as a proven technique that guarantees their own survival. QM has major technical, economical and human implications which influence the competitiveness, employment, exports and overall economic growth of any country. This research paper seeks to analyze the quality management practices in developing countries like Pakistan which requires giving much emphasis on the quality dimension. The paper attempts at analyzing the significance and willingness of business organizations regarding adoption and practice of quality management. This study also focuses to understand the ground reality of QM in Pakistani firms both public and private organizations. It is necessary to begin with asking that what quality we mean by quality management and its impact on productivity. In the past most of the national organizations showed an apprehension in adopting QM philosophy as they have a myopic view and were unable to realize its long term benefit. It is a fact that in comparison to the past the number of organizations that had acquired quality accreditation has obviously increased which is a clear indication that the awareness of this approach has been developed. Nevertheless the rate of embracing the concept of QM is still low as compared to our neighboring countries and other developed countries.