TQM implementation: Does the legal system matter?

Abstract

In this paper, we examine the influence of the legal system of a country on the degree to which Total Quality Management (TQM) is comprehensively applied. Our analysis finds higher adoption of Total Quality Management in countries with English, German and Scandinavian legal origins than in countries with French and socialist legal origins. The per capita GDP of a country and relations with trade unions are also found to be positively associated with the adoption of TQM.

Keywords:

• Total Quality Management
• legal origin
• product liability
• trade unions