Integrating EI/TQM efforts for performance improvement: a model

Abstract

Many empirical studies verify that a positive correlation exists between employee involvement (EI) and total quality management (TQM) practices. Substantial EI/TQM efforts are beginning to appear in organizations of different sizes and business nature, but there is little general agreement concerning the versatility of EI/TQM planning and implementation. This paper examines the prerequisites of the EI/TQM integration, and proposes a generic EI/TQM implementation model that assists organizations to safeguard their improvement efforts. The construct of the proposed model is built in line with the system frameworks and assessment criteria of the Baldrige Award. The paper also elaborates the essential ingredients of the model, and proposes a 14‐step guideline that facilitates the EI and TQM implementation with organizational strategies. An implementation case of EI/TQM efforts is presented along with a discussion of the applicability of the model.