Flevy Management Insights Q&A

What strategies can be employed to overcome resistance to TQM implementation from both management and employees?

     Joseph Robinson    |    TQM


This article provides a detailed response to: What strategies can be employed to overcome resistance to TQM implementation from both management and employees? For a comprehensive understanding of TQM, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to TQM best practice resources.

TLDR To overcome resistance to TQM, focus on Engagement and Communication, Leadership and Commitment, and creating a Supportive Culture, backed by real-world examples and research.

Reading time: 4 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they relate to this question.

What does Engagement and Communication mean?
What does Leadership Commitment mean?
What does Supportive Culture mean?


Total Quality Management (TQM) is a comprehensive management approach that focuses on long-term success through customer satisfaction. In a TQM effort, all members of an organization participate in improving processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work. However, implementing TQM can be challenging, as it requires significant changes in organizational culture and processes. Resistance from both management and employees is common, but several strategies can be employed to overcome these challenges.

Engagement and Communication

One of the most effective strategies to overcome resistance to TQM is active engagement and open communication. This involves clearly explaining the benefits of TQM to all stakeholders and how it will impact their roles positively. Management should initiate open forums and discussions to address concerns and suggestions from employees. According to Accenture, organizations that prioritize transparent communication are 3.5 times more likely to outperform their peers. Engagement can be further enhanced by involving employees in the decision-making process related to TQM implementation. This participatory approach can lead to a sense of ownership among employees, reducing resistance.

Real-world examples of this strategy include Toyota and General Electric, both of which have successfully implemented TQM by fostering a culture of open communication and employee involvement. Toyota, for instance, uses a suggestion system that encourages employees to come up with improvement ideas, demonstrating the company's commitment to listening to its workforce.

Moreover, training and education play a crucial role in this strategy. Providing comprehensive training on TQM principles and tools can demystify the process and alleviate fears related to change. This education should not be a one-time event but an ongoing process that keeps everyone updated on progress and fosters continuous improvement.

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Leadership and Commitment

Leadership commitment is paramount in overcoming resistance to TQM. Leaders must not only endorse TQM verbally but also demonstrate their commitment through actions. This includes allocating necessary resources, setting clear expectations, and leading by example. A study by McKinsey & Company highlighted that transformational change is 5.3 times more likely to be successful when senior leaders model the behavior changes they are asking employees to make. Leaders should be visible champions of TQM, actively participating in TQM activities and demonstrating the behaviors they wish to see throughout the organization.

For instance, at Xerox, leadership commitment to TQM was evident when the CEO and top executives personally involved themselves in quality initiatives, setting a powerful example for the rest of the organization. This not only signaled the importance of TQM to the entire organization but also helped to dismantle resistance at various levels.

Additionally, establishing a dedicated TQM team or office that reports directly to senior management can underscore the initiative's importance. This team can serve as a central point for coordinating TQM activities, addressing concerns, and measuring progress. It also acts as a clear signal that the organization is serious about its commitment to quality management.

Creating a Supportive Culture

Overcoming resistance to TQM also involves creating a culture that supports continuous improvement and quality management. This means recognizing and rewarding efforts and achievements in quality improvements. Incentives can be both financial and non-financial, such as public recognition, awards, or additional responsibilities. According to Deloitte, organizations with a strong culture of recognition are 12 times more likely to achieve strong business results. By aligning rewards with TQM objectives, organizations can motivate employees to embrace TQM practices.

Furthermore, it's crucial to address the fear of failure that often accompanies the implementation of new processes. Creating an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities rather than failures can encourage employees to participate more actively in TQM initiatives. This approach has been successfully adopted by companies like 3M and Google, where innovation and continuous improvement are deeply embedded in the culture.

Lastly, continuous feedback mechanisms should be established to monitor the progress of TQM implementation and address any issues promptly. Regular surveys, suggestion boxes, and feedback sessions can provide valuable insights into employee sentiment and areas for improvement. This not only helps in fine-tuning the TQM process but also shows employees that their opinions are valued, thereby reducing resistance.

Implementing TQM is a complex process that requires a strategic approach to overcome resistance from both management and employees. By focusing on engagement and communication, demonstrating leadership commitment, and fostering a supportive culture, organizations can navigate the challenges of TQM implementation more effectively. These strategies, supported by real-world examples and research from leading consulting firms, offer a roadmap for organizations looking to embrace TQM and achieve long-term success.

Best Practices in TQM

Here are best practices relevant to TQM from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our TQM materials here.

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Explore all of our best practices in: TQM

TQM Case Studies

For a practical understanding of TQM, take a look at these case studies.

Total Quality Management Implementation for Regional Hospital

Scenario: A regional hospital, striving to implement total quality management, faces a 12% increase in patient wait times and a 9% decrease in patient satisfaction scores.

Read Full Case Study

Strategic Total Quality Management in North America's Wind Energy Sector

Scenario: A mid-size wind energy provider in North America implemented a strategic Total Quality Management framework to overcome significant operational inefficiencies and quality control issues.

Read Full Case Study

Aerospace Quality Management Enhancement

Scenario: The organization is a leading aerospace components manufacturer facing quality control challenges amid increased regulatory scrutiny.

Read Full Case Study

Customer Loyalty Strategy for Boutique Coffee Shops in Urban Areas

Scenario: A boutique chain of coffee shops operating in densely populated urban areas is facing challenges in maintaining customer loyalty and market share due to intense competition and changing consumer preferences.

Read Full Case Study

Total Quality Management for Sports Equipment Manufacturer in Competitive Market

Scenario: A mid-sized firm specializing in the production of sports equipment is facing challenges in maintaining consistent quality across its product lines.

Read Full Case Study

Dynamic Pricing Strategy for E-commerce Apparel Brand

Scenario: An emerging e-commerce apparel brand is struggling with market share erosion due to suboptimal pricing strategies and a lack of total quality management.

Read Full Case Study


Explore all Flevy Management Case Studies

Related Questions

Here are our additional questions you may be interested in.

In what ways can TQM principles be applied to enhance remote work environments and virtual teams?
Applying TQM principles to remote work involves adapting Continuous Improvement, Customer Focus, and effective Communication and Leadership to enhance virtual team efficiency, productivity, and satisfaction. [Read full explanation]
How can TQM be adapted to fit the unique challenges of service-based industries compared to manufacturing?
Adapting TQM for Service-Based Industries involves focusing on Customer Satisfaction, Employee Empowerment, Process Management, Technology Integration, and Innovation to overcome unique challenges. [Read full explanation]
How is the Internet of Things (IoT) transforming Total Quality Management in smart manufacturing?
IoT is revolutionizing TQM in smart manufacturing by enabling Real-Time Data Analytics, automating Quality Control, and enhancing Customer Feedback loops, leading to improved Operational Efficiency and Product Quality. [Read full explanation]
What impact does TQM have on enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty in the digital age?
TQM significantly improves customer satisfaction and loyalty in the digital age by promoting a culture of Continuous Improvement, customer focus, and leveraging digital technologies to meet evolving consumer expectations. [Read full explanation]
How does TQM facilitate the integration of sustainability practices within corporate strategies?
TQM aligns with sustainability goals through its core principles, enabling organizations to integrate sustainability into Strategic Planning, Operational Excellence, and Culture, demonstrated by successful real-world examples. [Read full explanation]
What is the PDCA cycle in Total Quality Management?
The PDCA cycle in Total Quality Management is a dynamic, iterative framework for continuous improvement and Operational Excellence through structured problem-solving and process enhancement. [Read full explanation]

 
Joseph Robinson, New York

Operational Excellence, Management Consulting

This Q&A article was reviewed by Joseph Robinson. Joseph is the VP of Strategy at Flevy with expertise in Corporate Strategy and Operational Excellence. Prior to Flevy, Joseph worked at the Boston Consulting Group. He also has an MBA from MIT Sloan.

To cite this article, please use:

Source: "What strategies can be employed to overcome resistance to TQM implementation from both management and employees?," Flevy Management Insights, Joseph Robinson, 2025




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