Six Sigma and TQM in Taiwan: An Empirical Study

Abstract

This study constructs a preliminary exploration model for integrating quality management with business strategy. A questionnaire was employed to evaluate the framework. Study samples are from the Chinese Society for Quality in Taiwan. Three conclusions, based on discriminate analysis of SPSS statistical skills, for Taiwanese companies implementing an integrated quality management system with business strategy are:• Implementing Six Sigma has become a common theme in organizations. Six Sigma is not just used in large-scale or multinational organizations; it is also implemented and applied in small- and medium-sized organizations.• It is not necessary for an organization to implement Six Sigma activities. It is acceptable that the organization implements Six Sigma activities under the TQM infrastructure, since TQM has the implicit contents of a Six Sigma system. The most important thing for organizations to do is to integrate quality activities with business strategy, and this will naturally achieve improved business performance• Implementing both TQM and Six Sigma can improve quality performance. Discriminate analysis shows that TQM and Six Sigma are positively influenced by business strategy variables. The data show that if quality activities integrate with business strategy, it is not important for an organization to implement Six Sigma or TQM activities.