Critical success factors and tools for working the total quality management revolutions in management practice: A review

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this review is to spotlight, based on contextual fit, the essence of the Total Quality Management (TQM) concept, advance the context-specific tools for its adoption, and suggest Critical Success Factors (CSFs) researchers and management practitioners should consider when considering any TQM initiative. Method/ Analysis: The traditional narrative review design was used. Based on the authors' extensive readings, a number of TQM tools and CSFs reflective of Lee's conception of the paradigmatic shifts in management practice were identified from the extant literature. A synthesis of a selected set of TQM tools and CSFs form the paper's argument. Findings: The results show that when conceptualised to reflect the appropriate management context (mechanical, biological, or social), TQM can impact organisational outcomes based on intervention in six areas. Five management tools and a set of three foundational CSFs form the operational grid for a typical TQM programme. Novelty: Against the backcloth of the five revolutions in management, this paper presents a set of five management tools that could be used across industry groups in implementing TQM programmes based on the pedestal of three foundational CSFs.