Exploring the Total Quality Management (TQM) Practices Application on Employees’ Work-Related Attitudes at an Engineering Company in Secunda South Africa

Abstract

The study explored Total Quality Management (TQM) practices application on employees’ work-related attitudes at an engineering company in Secunda South Africa. The issue of TQM practices application on employee work-related attitudes is important considering the contribution of these practices towards improving the quality of products and increasing employees’ morale. A qualitative research approach was followed in this study. Data were collected from a sample of 9 participants. In this study, non-probability sampling was used. The sampling technique that was used in this study is purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were used in this study. Data were collected using online interviews. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Regarding the first objective about identifying employees’ perceptions of TQM practices, the study concluded that TQM practices that affect employees' attitudes are customer focus, continuous improvement, teamwork and continuous training. The study identified ISO 9001 quality management system, critical path analysis and organisational commitment as means of implementing TQM practices in mechanical, electrical, control and civil engineering project services in the second objective. The third objective concludes that TQM practices affect job satisfaction, job involvement, organisational commitment and career satisfaction of employees. The study also identified the following conditions: top management commitment, quality culture and communication to influencing the implementation of TQM practices.