Implementation obstacles for a work-development-oriented TQM strategy

摘要

The paper focuses on: How companies can work with TQM and work development. · How different companies can deal with obstacles for the implementation of a work-development-oriented (WDO) strategy. The four case study companies were selected on the basis of at least two among the three aspects of TQM, quality management systems and work development being practiced. The case studies relate to: · Dayco, in the United States, which worked with different quality techniques. · Ericsson Cables, Sweden, which obtained the Swedish Quality Award in 1994. · ProfilGruppen AB, Sweden, which is a more Japanese company than the others and applies kaizen methodology. · G Mattson-Frost AR, which exemplifies quality through motivation and for its interest in work development tasks. The paper concludes that: · Even if the companies commit themselves to TQM and its core values, the differences pertain to work organization, work development and the practical TQM approach. · The main obstacles to a WDO TQM strategy are limited resources, lack of knowledge, and the management's perspective on work development. · In WDO TQM, the metal worker's union traditionally plays a significant role, but in TQM, its role is not as obvious as it could be.