TQM for Greek SMEs: an alternative in facing crisis conditions

George Sainis, George Haritos, Thanos Kriemadis, Ioanna Papasolomou

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Purpose: This study aims to bridge the gap left by earlier studies regarding the issue of whether the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification is a stepping stone that ultimately leads to instilling a total quality management (TQM) culture, or whether it is the end-point in their journey toward quality. Design/methodology/approach: The study was primarily quantitative in nature supported from a qualitative survey following the triangulation approach, as the aim was to test a number of hypotheses related to TQM’s role in the operation of Greek ISO certified small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A questionnaire was developed based on the critical success factors that were used in the self-assessment instrument developed by Hunt (1992) and Sashkin (1996) to assess the level of TQM implementation in approximately 400 Greek SMEs. Findings: The study revealed that Greek ISO certified SMEs, emphasize performance appraisal, invest in quality elements that require minimum usage of their resources and prioritize their ISO certification. Originality/value: TQM is one of the most powerful concepts available to businesses today. However, most of the literature focuses on the practice of TQM within large manufacturing organizations. This paper aims to readdress the situation by outlining a study on TQM in the SME sector in Greece.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)41-58
    Number of pages18
    JournalCompetitiveness Review
    Volume30
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Dec 2019

    Keywords

    • ISO certification
    • Quality appraisal systems
    • Quality culture
    • Quality tools and techniques
    • SMEs
    • TQM

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