David S. Steingard and Dale E. Fitzgibbons
Offers a postmodern, deconstructive analysis of total qualitymanagement (TQM) theory and practice. Problematizing TQM, uncoversunchallenged assumptions and implicit power…
Abstract
Offers a postmodern, deconstructive analysis of total quality management (TQM) theory and practice. Problematizing TQM, uncovers unchallenged assumptions and implicit power relations cloaked by management science′s veil of objectivity and value‐neutrality. Tracing these assumptions and power relations to the life‐worlds of TQM organizations, regrettably discovers an obsequious and dehumanized subjectivity of TQM workers. These alienated TQM workers are inscribed in a seamless and inescapable network of totalitarian power relations epitomized by authoritarian admonitions of “the one right way”, “quality is Job 1”, and “quality or else”. As hegemonic TQM ideology insidiously permeates all aspects of social life, witnesses an unparalleled threat to the basic individual rights of a liberal democracy. Proclaiming the “death of TQM”, optimistically discusses preliminary suggestions for an emancipatory post‐TQM theory and practice.
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In this tribute to Lou Pondy, his last doctoral student considersthe characteristics and qualities of the perfect academic advisor anddissertation chair.
Abstract
In this tribute to Lou Pondy, his last doctoral student considers the characteristics and qualities of the perfect academic advisor and dissertation chair.
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David S. Steingard and Dale E. Fitzgibbons
Calls into question the widespread, and seemingly inevitable,globalization of Western business practices into every corner of theplanet. Challenges the assumption that host…
Abstract
Calls into question the widespread, and seemingly inevitable, globalization of Western business practices into every corner of the planet. Challenges the assumption that host countries will necessarily benefit from globalization. Stimulates critical thinking and reflection about globalization′s origins, cultural sensitivity, fairness, sources of power and future impact on the wellbeing of our planet. Employs a variation of “deconstruction” and notions of post‐modernism to engender an emancipatory anti‐globalization praxis for teaching and consulting. Offers some preliminary contours of a postmodern anti‐globalization discourse employing examples from The Body Shop International plc.
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Larry E. Pate and David M. Boje
This article introduces the contributions made by a leadingmanagement scholar (Lou Pondy) and discusses ways he responded as amentor to the questionings of his many students.
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This article introduces the contributions made by a leading management scholar (Lou Pondy) and discusses ways he responded as a mentor to the questionings of his many students.
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Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are…
Abstract
Communications regarding this column should be addressed to Mrs. Cheney, Peabody Library School, Nashville, Term. 37203. Mrs. Cheney does not sell the books listed here. They are available through normal trade sources. Mrs. Cheney, being a member of the editorial board of Pierian Press, will not review Pierian Press reference books in this column. Descriptions of Pierian Press reference books will be included elsewhere in this publication.
Marina Godinho Antunes, Joaquín Texeira Quirós and Maria do Rosário Fernandes Justino
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between innovation and total quality management (TQM), and also to identify the effects of innovation on organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the relationship between innovation and total quality management (TQM), and also to identify the effects of innovation on organizational performance. This research proposes a conceptual model that intends to study several research hypotheses.
Design/methodology/approach
The data were obtained through an online questionnaire, sent to small- and medium-sized Portuguese companies, having being conducted the study based on responses received from 287 valid questionnaires, and using a multivariate statistical analysis for statistical development.
Findings
The findings indicate that companies that adopt strategies of process innovation get improvements in their performance, both operationally and financially, while product innovation only provides improvements in the financial performance of organizations. It was also found that TQM practices encourage the definition of innovation strategies of products and processes. On the other hand, it was found that only companies that adopt innovation strategies of their processes promote the adoption of TQM practices, and there is a statistically significant relationship between product innovation and the implementation of TQM practices.
Originality/value
This research analyzed the dimensions studied in different aspects. It considered product innovation and process innovation, and with respect to performance, this dimension was analyzed through two different perspectives, namely, financial performance and operational performance. This research also provides a particular contribution to the literature with the analysis of the interdependencies between innovation and TQM in small- and medium-sized Portuguese companies.