Quality management practices and inter-organizational project performance: Moderating effect of governance mechanisms

Abstract

While research on the relationship between quality management practices and inter-organizational project performance has found inconsistent results, few studies have considered the contextual factors of quality management practices. Inter-organizational projects involve external participants in quality management and thus, this study tested the moderating role of governance mechanisms (contract governance and trust) on the relationship between quality management practices and inter-organizational project performance. Results of 265 valid questionnaires from China indicated that quality management practices contribute to inter-organizational project performance. Contract governance magnifies the positive effect of quality management practices on inter-organizational project performance while the moderating effect of trust is insignificant. The moderating effect of contract governance indicates a means for strengthening the effect of quality management practices in inter-organizational projects. Further research on more contextual factors of quality management practices should be conducted.