Link between organisational culture and TQM practices

Abstract

This study investigates show organisational culture influences the implementation of different practices incorporated in the traditional total quality management (TQM). We employed the competing values framework to capture the underlying value orientations of organisational culture. Using survey data collected from 500 Iran manufacturing plants, the relationships between four culture types and five TQM practices were examined via the structural equation modelling technique. The results reveal the differential effects of the culture types on the implementation of TQM practices. The implications of the links between different cultures and different TQM practices are discussed. While the relationship between TQM practices and culture has been the subject of prior research, this is the first look at the relationship between organisational culture and a comprehensive set of quality management practices. The understanding of the advantage of each culture type should help managers achieve effective implementation of TQM practices from a holistic perspective of both quality management and culture.