Does TQM improve employees’ quality of work life? Empirical evidence from Malaysia's manufacturing firms

Abstract

Quality of work life (QWL) has recently received surmountable attention, but many of the past studies lack in conceptual analysis and empirical evidence. This article is believed to be one of the first few empirical studies investigating the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and employees’ QWL in relation to the Malaysian ISO9001 certified manufacturing firms. The proposed framework was tested on a sample of 202 firms using the structural equation modelling technique. The survey evidence identified that leadership, process management, information and analysis and customer focus have an impact on employees’ QWL. However, human resource management and strategic planning did not show any significant correlation with employees’ QWL, implying that both variables do not provide extensive opportunities for employees to achieve a better balance in both work and life. This research evidence has given managers a better comprehension on the relevant TQM practices to be adopted to improve employees’ QWL. Hence, greater TQM implementation can ensure a higher QWL, and this serves as a competitive edge, ensuring organisational success.