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The relationship between total quality management and human resource management in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Author(s) -
McElwee Gerard,
Warren Lorraine
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
strategic change
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.527
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 1099-1697
pISSN - 1086-1718
DOI - 10.1002/1099-1697(200011)9:7<427::aid-jsc516>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - total quality management , business , human resource management , quality (philosophy) , human resources , individualism , small business , knowledge management , small and medium sized enterprises , marketing , process management , management , operations management , economics , computer science , philosophy , epistemology , finance , market economy , service (business)
There is an extensive body of received wisdom in the literature on both total quality management (TQM) and human resource management (HRM). This paper examines past research as it affects small firms. Conclusions are drawn as to the linkages between TQM and HRM in small and emerging businesses. It is accepted that effective HRM policies are essential if TQM programmes are to deliver any of their benefits. However, there has been less research on small organizations, even though both are recognised as strategic issues in the pursuit of business development. Only a truly professional approach to creating a culture that is ‘soft’, individualistic and user‐focused will provide the conditions for total quality enhancement to become a reality. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.