Role of the human talent in total quality management-performance relationship: An investigation in the transport sector

摘要

Recent human resource trends focus on the concept of how the human factor is important in successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) and can substantially moderate the way TQM contributes to performance. Thus, the focus has shifted towards high-performing or high-potential employees whose specific talents can contribute the most to the fulfillment of organizational goals. Thus talent philosophies have gained prominence. This research article investigates the degree to which talent philosophies alter the way that TQM leads to performance gains. Based on the literature review, two hypotheses have been framed. The empirical setting involved managers of shipping companies located in Greece. The responses of 199 managers to the survey were subjected to exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analyses, structural equation modeling and multi group analysis. The findings showed that TQM has a positive and significant influence on company performance and talent perceptions moderate the relationship between TQM and performance, specifically when talent is perceived as being merely an inclusive entity. It also showed that implementation of TQM exerts a positive and significant effect on company performance. In contrast, when the exclusive talent philosophy is adopted results clearly indicate the absence of such an association.