Business Process Management Journal, Volume 21, Issue 1, January 2015.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study soft TQM (Total Quality Management) practices and their impact on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach In the present paper, we have used systematic literature review proposed by Tranfield et al. (2003). After identifying the research gaps, we have formulated research hypotheses and developed a structured questionnaire to collect data from cement manufacturing firms to test our research hypotheses. In this study we have used exploratory factor analysis to explore latent constructs of soft TQM. The exploratory factor analysis output was further used as an input to multiple linear regression analysis to study their relationship with firm performance. Findings The regression analysis indicates that REIP (Relationship with Internal and External Partners), Quality Culture, Human Resource focus, Visionary Leadership, are positive and statistically significant determinants of firm performance. Originality/value In this study we have selected Indian cement industry which is world’s second largest cement producer and an important sector in terms of its contribution to Indian GDP, and provides direct and indirect employment opportunities to millions of people. However, most of the studies in India were done related to automotive sector and soft TQM was never considered important. The findings of our study contribute to resource-based theory.
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study soft TQM (Total Quality Management) practices and their impact on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach In the present paper, we have used systematic literature review proposed by Tranfield et al. (2003). After identifying the research gaps, we have formulated research hypotheses and developed a structured questionnaire to collect data from cement manufacturing firms to test our research hypotheses. In this study we have used exploratory factor analysis to explore latent constructs of soft TQM. The exploratory factor analysis output was further used as an input to multiple linear regression analysis to study their relationship with firm performance. Findings The regression analysis indicates that REIP (Relationship with Internal and External Partners), Quality Culture, Human Resource focus, Visionary Leadership, are positive and statistically significant determinants of firm performance. Originality/value In this study we have selected Indian cement industry which is world’s second largest cement producer and an important sector in terms of its contribution to Indian GDP, and provides direct and indirect employment opportunities to millions of people. However, most of the studies in India were done related to automotive sector and soft TQM was never considered important. The findings of our study contribute to resource-based theory.
