This study investigated whether there is a difference in the TQM constructs implemented
by Vietnamese manufacturing and service companies of different ownership, size, industry
type, and innovation performance. While MANOVA was the main technique applied,
the measurement model for TQM constructs was examined with the help of structural
equation modeling. Several conclusions can be drawn from the above results.
Fist, in manufacturing and service companies, customer focus and top management
commitment have been implemented at a quite high rate while information and analysis
system, education and training, employee empowerment, and process management were
found to be just average. This result suggests that Vietnamese companies still have a lot
room for improving their TQM strategy.
Second, TQM principles that have been generally considered as a set of practices, in
previous studies, could be confirmed as valid for the industries in Vietnam for both manufacturing
and service sectors. Third, the MANOVA results indicate that company size,
industry type, and degree of innovation influenced the degree of TQM implementation.
Large companies showed a higher implementation rate in almost all quality management
practices except for teamwork and open organisation when compared to small- and
medium-sized companies. Particularly, for service culture and strategic planning, large
companies were statistically significantly stronger than small- and medium-sized companies.
Highly innovative companies showed a higher rate of implementation for all TQM
constructs compared to companies with a low innovation performance, which suggests
that TQM supports conditions for innovation. This finding contributes to the literature