The effectiveness of TQM: A stimulator for knowledge distribution?

Abstract

The aim of this research paper is to investigate the impact of six TQM dimensions on knowledge distribution from the perspective of middle-level managers. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 1000 middle-level managers working in Malaysian firms, of which 127 responded. The findings gained by utilising the structural equation modelling method supported the positive influence of TQM practices, such as leadership, strategic planning, human resource management, and information and analysis, in which human resource management is the most significant determinant of knowledge distribution in a firm. It was also found that customer focus and process management do not have a significant impact on knowledge distribution in the manufacturing organisations surveyed. This research study can be used by managers in the manufacturing sector to evaluate the effectiveness of TQM practices in knowledge distribution in their companies. The results of this study proposed that three dimensions are instrumental for firms to increase their efficiency in knowledge distribution. They are human resource focused, having a good leadership and strategic planning as well as possessing an adequate level of information and analysis. The majority of  TQM dimensions such as leadership, strategic planning, human resource management, and information and analysis appeared to have influences on knowledge distribution in Malaysian manufacturing firms, thus filling the gap in the literature  on TQM and knowledge distribution.

Keywords:

• total quality management
• knowledge distribution
• manufacturing firms
• Malaysia

Acknowledgements

This research was conducted while the author is a PhD (Applied Statistics) candidate at University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.