An empirical analysis of effective TQM implementation in the Hong Kong electronics manufacturing industry

The objective of this research is to develop a conceptual model of total qu ality management (TQM) implementation and test it empirically. The main res earch problem of this study is to investigate the effect of adopting TQM pr inciples on quality achievement in manufacturing. The hypotheses specifying relationships between the core parts of the model including quality manage ment infrastructure, core quality management practices, quality performance , and customer satisfaction are tested using survey research method. Data w ere collected from 50 managers of 25 manufacturing companies in Hong Kong. Correlation analysis on the ratings given by two different respondents from the same company shows that employee relations strongly facilitates the us e of quality data and reporting, while training supports the function of pr oduct design, supplier quality management, and quality data and reporting. The results also indicate that employee relations and training have direct effects on quality performance which, in turn, relates to customer satisfac tion. Practitioners are advised to build a supportive environment with a st rong emphasis on human and organizational aspects to promote effective TQM implementation. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.