Abstract
Purpose – To provide reliable and valid constructs of total quality management (TQM) and a
measurement instrument in the context of manufacturing industries in newly industrialized countries
for evaluating the TQM implementation process and to target improvement areas.
Design/methodology/approach – Based on a review of TQM literature and expert opinions, ten
TQM constructs (nine implementation constructs and one outcome construct) were identified. A
detailed questionnaire was developed with the items for ten TQM constructs along with the questions
on quality performance and information about the respondents. The questionnaire was then sent to
randomly selected ISO 9000 certified manufacturing companies in Thailand. Out of 1,000
questionnaires sent, 275 usable samples were returned giving a response rate of 27.5 percent. Based
on the data from the survey, exploratory factor analysis was done to ensure that items in each scale
reflected sufficiently the scope of each construct. Internal consistency analysis was done to ensure the
reliability of the constructs. Criterion-related validity and construct validity were evaluated
statistically to ensure that the set of measures correctly represents the constructs, and the degree to
which they are free from any systematic or non-random error.
Findings – This paper identified ten reliable and valid TQM constructs. Nine are implementation
constructs and an outcome construct. These constructs have a total of 52 items, fewer compared to
other instruments available in the TQM literature, with higher reliability compared to them.
Research limitations/implications – Owing to time and resource constraints, this study was
conducted only in the manufacturing sector of Thailand and hence generalization is somewhat limited.
This study could be extended to the service sector in Thailand and the same sector in other countries.
Practical implications – The instrument presented will provide Thailand’s manufacturing
companies with a practical understanding in the area of TQM implementation. Moreover, researchers
and practitioners from other newly industrialized countries may be able to use these constructs in
future TQM research. Compared to other instruments, this instrument will be easier to administer and
the response rate may be better.
Originality/value – Quality/production managers will be able to use the instrument to evaluate
their TQM implementation initiatives and identify problem areas requiring improvement. Researchers
will be able to use this instrument to enhance understanding of the process and to develop applicable
TQM theory.