Key characteristics of TQM

Ten key characteristics

1. Quality is created through everyone’s participation.
2. Consider the relationship with wider social interests so that benefits extend to all concerned.
3. Emphasize education and training: quality development begins and continues with learning.
4. Encourage self-control and responsibility: quality comes from disciplined work, not inspection alone.
5. Use data and evidence in management — management by fact.
6. Establish and deploy policies throughout the organization.
7. Use quality circle activities to encourage employee initiative and cooperation.
8. Share experience and ideas, encouraging creativity and improvement.
9. Use management review and internal audits to assess whether the quality system, policies and plans work effectively.
10. Apply statistical methods to collect and analyse product and process data.

Core principles

• Customer-driven quality
• Leadership within the organization
• Continual quality improvement
• An integrated, systematic approach
• Participation across all levels, departments and employees
• Scientific methods and tools, including statistical techniques and just-in-time practices