Human aspects in a quality management context and their effects on performance

Abstract

This paper examines the relationship between quality management and human aspects (empowerment, recognition, personnel policies and effects on employees) in Spanish certified firms. It studies: (a) the importance of these aspects for quality improvement, and (b) whether certified firms which are more advanced in quality management and have a better performance show a higher degree of implementation of human aspects. The paper shows that this relationship exists and that certified firms with a greater extent of quality management do show a higher interest in human aspects. Therefore, human aspects are necessary to improve quality management in this kind of firms.