The influence of total quality management (TQM) on operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals

Abstract

PurposeThe importance of total quality management (TQM) to organizational achievement and performance has been established by many studies. Nevertheless, studies on the implementation of TQM and its relationship to operational flexibility have been limited, particularly in the developing countries. The purpose of this paper is to address this gap by exploring the extent of the application of TQM and its influence on operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals.Design/methodology/approachThe study covers both public (King Abdullah University Hospital) and private (Jordan Hospital and Medical Center) health care services. A survey was conducted using a quantitative approach where the researchers distributed 400 questionnaires to selected respondents. The response rate was 57 percent out of the total questionnaires distributed. TQM is an independent variable which consists of eight principles, namely, leadership, employee management, information analysis, training, customer focus, continuous improvement, process management, and supplier management was examined in relation to operational flexibility as a dependent variable which comprises external flexibility and internal robustness.FindingsThe findings reveal that there is a significant positive relationship between TQM and operational flexibility. The authors conclude that TQM practices significantly influence the intensity of operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals.Originality/valueThe significant impact of TQM on operational flexibility has been argued to be positive. The value of the paper is that it points out the influence of TQM on operational flexibility in Jordanian hospitals in order to improve hospital performance and efficiency.