A MEASUREMENT INSTRUMENT FOR TQM IMPLEMENTATION IN THE THAI MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

Abstract

It is particularly important for developing countries to define useful TQM constructs to measure these principles, and their effect on improvement of performance. This research is aimed at measuring TQM constructs in the Thai manufacturing industry and Thai culture. The research identifies nine TQM implementation constructs and one outcome construct. A measurement instrument is developed based on a survey of some 275 ISO 9000 certified manufacturing companies in Thailand. A stepwise regression model is then used to identify the primary implementation construct regressors that significantly influence the outcome construct. The results show that customer focus, continuous improvement, top management commitment, employee involvement and product innovation are significantly and positively related to product quality. The findings are useful for practitioners and academia in developing countries.