QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN STATE-OWNED AND TOWNSHIP ENTERPRISES IN MAINLAND CHINA

The purpose of this paper is to compare the application of Total Quali ty Management (TQM) in state-owned and township enterprises in mainlan d china. These two kinds of enterprises Present distinct characteristi cs in a TQM system on account of their differences in ownership struct ure. The finding is that state-owned enterprises respect the evaluatio n of their suppliers more seriously than township enterprises, but on the other hand, township firms are more flexible in controlling the in formation from customers' demand. As for internal quality control syst ems. state-owned enterprises seem to be able to produce better quality products.