The effects of total quality management and organisational learning on business performance: evidence from Taiwanese insurance industries

Abstract

This research is focused on the Taiwanese insurance industry to explore the relationship among total quality management (TQM), organisational learning (OL) and business performance of insurance companies. In this study, the questionnaires are analysed and the t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple regression models are used to verify the research framework and hypotheses. The results show significant difference of gender, position, educational level and industry on TQM, OL and business performance recognition, but there is no significant difference in seniority. Using multiple regression analysis and the mediating test, the principal findings of this study are shown as follows: (1) TQM has significant and positive effects on OL, (2) Both TQM and OL have significant and positive effects on business performance, (3) OL fosters business performance and plays a mediating role between TQM and business performance, and (4) The non-life and the life insurance industries, which carry out TQM, OL and business performance, are significantly different. The results show practical implications for the insurance industry in Taiwan.

Keywords:

• insurance industry
• total quality management
• organisational learning
• business performance
• mediating effects