Roles of perceived leadership styles and rewards in the practice of total quality management

Abstract

Total quality management (TQM) as an emergent management technique from dissatisfaction with other existing techniques, is implemented in Nigeria, with some difficulties. Leadership styles and reward are therefore considered as psychological variables that could enhance TQM practice. A survey research was consequently conducted, using the ex‐post facto design, to examine the claim. A total of 418 employees were randomly drawn from TQM and non‐TQM courier organizations and administered standardized scales measuring the variables of interest. A 2 x 2 x 2 analysis of variance carried out showed that employees who perceived their leaders as exhibiting low performance leadership style were significantly higher in the practice of TQM than those who perceived high performance leadership. High reward and low maintenance leadership style, high maintenance and low performance leadership styles were the best combinations for TQM practice. It was suggested for implementers of TQM to consider these in to getting employees to practice TQM.