TQM practices and quality management performance

TLDR

The study investigates how TQM practices relate to quality performance in ISO 9001:2000 certified Malaysian manufacturing firms. Data from 122 such firms were analyzed with correlation and multiple regression to assess the link between TQM practices and quality performance. Results show a partial correlation between TQM practices and quality performance, with customer focus and continual improvement emerging as the most influential practices, suggesting that top management can refine practices to enhance performance. The study is limited by excluding non‑ISO 9001:2000 firms, which may bias the findings.

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between total quality management (TQM) practices and quality performance with special emphasis on ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing organizations in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The empirical data was drawn from 122 ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing organizations in Malaysia. The data were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Findings The findings revealed that TQM practices were found to be partially correlated with quality performance of the Malaysian ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing organizations. It is also found that where customer focus and continual improvement were perceived as dominant TQM practices in quality performance. Research limitations/implications This research paper was limited by excluding non‐ISO 9001:2000 certified organizations in the selection of manufacturing firms in Malaysia, making this a possibly biased selection, which might not adequately represent the Malaysian perspective on the entire Malaysia's manufacturing industry. Originality/value The outcome of the study could provide valuable knowledge to top management of ISO 9001:2000 certified manufacturing organizations to refine their quality management practices and subsequently improve quality performance.