The Importance of Teamwork, Continuous Top Management Support and Training in Bringing About TQM

Abstract

As a result of increasing competition, organizations have realised the importance of its human capital in bringing about continuous improvement in quality in order to secure increased customer satisfaction and loyalty as well as sustainable development. Strategic approaches frequently, though not always successfully, adopted in a TQM environment include teamwork, management support and training. Hence, this study aims to assess managerial perceptions of the importance of teamwork, continuous top management support and training in bringing about TQM. Biographical influences on these managerial perceptions are also assessed. A sample of 202 managers (middle, senior, top) was drawn using a stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using a pre-coded, selfdeveloped questionnaire whose psychometric properties were assessed using Factor Analysis and Cronbach’s Coefficient Alpha respectively. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reflect that in this organization, the focus in bringing about total quality management is on continuous top management support, followed by continuous training and learning and lastly, teams and teamwork. These dimensions also significantly inter-correlate with each other. Biographical influences were also noted in terms of position, qualifications and gender. Based on the results, recommendations are presented for enhancing team performance, managerial support and training in efforts to bring about TQM.