Total quality as a new global competitive strategy

Abstract

Total quality has been acclaimed as an organizational philosophy to enhance global competitiveness. However, changing paradigms in global business operations require that quality concepts like TQM be revised to reflect the changing nature of global competitiveness. This paper, using the existing literature and interactions with the real world managers, presents a conceptual quality framework that can be deployed to enhance the competitiveness of businesses operating in global environments. Specifically, this paper details those quality elements that can affect quality improvement efforts through a variety of cultural differences that one may encounter while managing global operations. Also, proposed are managerial guidelines for implementing quality in the global arena.