The impact of TQM in UK SMEs

Abstract

Notes that while implementation of total quality management (TQM) in large organizations has been widely documented, it has received far less attention in relation to small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), in which most of the UK labour force is employed. Reports the results of an investigation into SME management attitudes towards TQM in the East Midlands region of the UK. Compares them with UK‐based Japanese‐owned companies and discovers that the UK‐owned SMEs are better at implementing TQM. Concludes that there is room for improvement in all companies in the translation of management philosophy into employee action.