The role of total quality management (TQM) in improving quality and organisational performance in footwear manufacturing organisations in KwaZulu-Natal

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) elements of Leadership, Customer Focus, and Employee Involvement on Quality Improvement and Organisational Performance, as well as the relationship between Quality Improvement and Organisational Performance. A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 32 footwear manufacturing organisations in the eThekwini region of Kwazulu-Natal. Confirmatory Factor Analysis was used to verify the reliability and validity of the measuring instrument. Regression and correlation analysis was developed to test the relationship between the TQM elements, Quality Improvement and Organisational Performance. The TQM elements used in this study were Leadership, Customer Focus, and Employee involvement. The findings of this showed that Leadership and Customer Focus had a positive influence on Quality Improvement. Also, Leadership was found to have a positive influence on Organisational Performance. In addition, a positive relationship existed between Quality Improvement and Organisational Performance. The results of this study could provide valuable information to managers of footwear manufacturing organisations in identifying those elements that have a positive effect on improving quality. Hence, allocating resources to these elements would enable footwear manufacturing organisations to enhance the performance of their organisations.