TQM, strategy, and performance: a firm‐level analysis

Authors

Manal M. Yunis, University of Texas-Pan American
Joo Y. Jung, The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyFollow
Shouming Chen

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-21-2013

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose is to examine the role of TQM in a strategy‐TQM‐performance model. More specifically, it seeks to investigate whether TQM has a driving role in the formation of strategy or has a mediating effect in the strategy‐performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was used to collect data. The instrument was assessed for its validity and reliability. Structural equation modelling was employed.

Findings

TQM influences strategy formulation process and it is a dynamic resource that contributes to the achievement of a sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, soft TQM has a higher impact than hard TQM on competitive strategy formulation and on performance.

Research limitations/implications

The model developed and tested can be enriching to the TQM, strategic management, and quality management fields. Future research is recommended to use methods other than self‐report questionnaires and to account for certain behavioral factors that can influence the relationships investigated in the study.

Practical implications

The findings provide insights to the need to integrate TQM with the various stages of the strategy formulation process, with an emphasis on the soft elements of TQM, including customer satisfaction, management and leadership, and employee relations.

Originality/value

Despite the remarkable contributions of existent research, there is a lack of substantive research that examines the relationship between the hard and soft components of TQM on one hand and the two types of competitive strategy – differentiation and cost leadership – on the other. This gap is filled by this study.

Comments

Original published version available at https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711311325638

Recommended Citation

Yunis, M., Jung, J. and Chen, S. (2013), "TQM, strategy, and performance: a firm‐level analysis", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 30 No. 6, pp. 690-714. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711311325638

Publication Title

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management

DOI

10.1108/02656711311325638