According to Thompson, Gamble, & Strickland (2006), TQM or Total Quality Management is a “philosophy of managing a set of business practices that emphasizes continuous improvement in all phases of the operation. 100 percent accuracy in performing tasks, involvement and empowerment of employees at all levels, team based work design, benchmarking, and total customer satisfaction” (p.324). Thompson, Gamble, & Strickland (2006) go on to suggest that TQM can take a long time to show significant results. Long term the success of TQM is heavily dependent on management’s ability to establish a culture in which the philosophies and practices will thrive. TQM has attracted numerous users and advocates over several decades. The philosophy can yield good results when utilized properly.

1. How do you see the culture within your company? Is it supportive to the TQM philosophy? What aspects of TQM is your company employing? Where could they improve? )

Thompson, A., Gamble, J., & Strickland, A. (2006). Strategy: Winning in the marketplace : Core concepts, analytical tools, cases (2nd ed.). Boston, Mass.: McGraw-Hill.