Linking soft and hard total quality management practices: evidence from Jordan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between the two aspects of total quality management (TQM), soft TQM practices and hard TQM practices in manufacturing organisations. A research project was carried out in Jordanian manufacturing organisations using questionnaire survey. The relationships between the practices were examined through Pearson correlation and simple linear regression analyses. The results showed that the relationship between soft and hard TQM practices is significant. Customer focus has a significant relationship with statistical process control (SPC), while education and training have two significant relationships (SPC and continuous improvement). Top management leadership has three significant relationships (SPC, continuous improvement and product design). Finally, supplier relationship has significant relationships with all hard practices except process management practice. Hence, managers of manufacturing companies should realise the important role of hard practices in implementing soft TQM practices successfully.