Total quality management: an empirical test for mediation effect

This study reviews empirical studies of total quality management (TQM) and has identified four different approaches of examining TQM practices-perform ance relationships. It reveals that a consensus on how TQM practices affect quality performance has yet to emerge. Based on their findings, some resea rchers conclude that 'supportive' practices can bring quality improvement, while some indicate that 'core' practices do. To add to the complexity, som e support both. The current study seeks to examine the relationship between supportive and core TQM practices and their direct and indirect effects on quality performance. A mediation model was hypothesized and tested by hier archical multiple regression based on a sample of 25 electronics companies in Hong Kong. In general, the survey study gives further support for the in terdependent nature of TQM practices. The results showed that the effect of training and employee relations on quality performance might be largely tr ansmitted by certain core quality management practices. In particular, it s uggests that core TQM practices mediate the effect of supportive TQM practi ces on quality performance when the practices are taken as two integrated f actors. Both researchers and practitioners are advised to consider the inte rdependencies of supportive and core factors when assessing the impact of a ny new technology or new management technique on an organization.