Total Quality Management in Private and Public Sectors in Bahrain: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This study has a central theme of reviewing and overcoming TQM barriers. Thus, the researcher aims to provide the government of Bahrain set of recommendations for employing useful tools in the human resources position to assist the TQM process. The objective of the novel research conducted here is to determine the extent of TQM and the factors impacting it. It will also provide a subjective comparison between the Private and Public sectors and determine which sector has adequate TQM. On the other hand, the researcher will evaluate the impact of TQM on employees’ satisfaction. The key critical success factors measured in this research include leadership and top management, quality planning and strategy, communication, employee’s involvement, quality of product and services, customer focus, quality culture, MIS, and continuous development. The methodology utilized in this research, described as cross-sectional, adopted a multi-method approach (quantitative and qualitative) conducted through questionnaires and interviews, to perform the research objectives. An SPSS program and other analysis tools were used to analyze the data collected appropriately. The result shows that many theories models and tools were used to facilitate Total Quality Management. In addition, critical success factors affecting the implementation of total quality management depend on their business and environment. On the other hand, there is less awareness among the employees in Bahrain from both sectors private and government, regarding the total quality management, plan, and effect. The researcher concluded that employee job satisfaction is one of the main critical success factors affecting TQM. Finally, a comparative summary of the best practice results between private and government organizations, concerning TQM, results in similar effectiveness and efficiency with a little more emphasis in the private sector.