Abstract
Total Quality Management (TQM) is an enduring approach for enhancing firm competitiveness. Still, there is dearth of research regarding organisational diffusion (post-adoption) of TQM. To address this gap, this research proposes a theoretical model rooted in institutional and upper echelon theories that explain TQM diffusion via top management commitment. We surveyed 300 senior quality managers representing 300 auto-components manufacturers in India to collect data to test the proposed model using variance based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings suggest that institutional pressures significantly influence top management commitment to TQM. Subsequently, top management commitment influences organisational diffusion of TQM via acceptance, routinisation and assimilation. Managers can use the findings of this research to better understand how to assimilate TQM so that anticipated benefits can be fully realised.
DOI
10.1080/00207543.2017.1394590
Publication Date
2017-10-31
Publication Title
International Journal of Production Research
Volume
56
Issue
8
ISSN
0020-7543
Embargo Period
2018-10-31
Organisational Unit
Plymouth Business School
First Page
2988
Last Page
3006
Recommended Citation
Dubey, R., Gunasekaran, A., Childe, S., Papadopoulos, T., Hazen, B., & Roubaud, D. (2017) 'Examining Top Management Commitment to TQM Diffusion using Institutional and Upper Echelon Theories', International Journal of Production Research, 56(8), pp. 2988-3006. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207543.2017.1394590
