What is the focus of "total quality management" (TQM)?

The focus of total quality management (TQM) is on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction throughout the organization. TQM is a comprehensive approach that seeks to enhance the quality of an organization's outputs, including products and services, by involving all employees in the process of improvement. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of meeting or exceeding customer expectations, which is central to long-term success.

In TQM, organizations adopt a holistic perspective, where every aspect of operations—from design to production to customer service—is continually assessed and refined. By fostering a culture of quality, organizations encourage proactive problem-solving and collaboration among employees, leading not only to improved quality but also to increased efficiency and employee satisfaction.

This approach contrasts with other strategies that may prioritize short-term goals, such as only focusing on profit maximization or reducing costs without regard to quality. By prioritizing customer needs and committing to improvement at every level, TQM aims to create lasting value both for the customers and the organization itself.