Human resource aspects of quality management: evidence from MNEs operating in Greece

Abstract

This study is an attempt to investigate the extent to which companies different nationality operating in Greece and involved in different levels of quality management differ in the way they utilize their human resources as well as in the degree of influence their human resource/personnel departments enjoy. The study started with the premise that there is some difference in approaches to quality management and in relative emphasis given to the human dimension and the role of the human resource department when organizations pass through the different stages in a quality improvement effort. The results of our case studies indicate that, although the origin of the capital and the culture of a foreign-owned company may play an important role in development and implementation of quality initiatives, they may not greatly affect determine human resource utilization. It is the strategic orientation of an organization quality that seems to be the driving force in constructive human resource management.