Mehmet Demirbag, Ekrem Tatoglu, Mehmet Tekinkus and Selim Zaim
The principal aim of this paper is to determine the critical factors of total quality management (TQM) and to measure their effect on organizational performance of SMEs operating…
Abstract
Purpose
The principal aim of this paper is to determine the critical factors of total quality management (TQM) and to measure their effect on organizational performance of SMEs operating in Turkish textile industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Data for this study was collected using a self‐administered questionnaire that was distributed to 500 SMEs in textile industry in the city of Istanbul in Turkey selected randomly from the database of Turkish Small Business Administration (KOSGEB). Of the 500 questionnaires posted, a total of 163 questionnaires were returned.
Findings
Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, seven empirically validated dimensions of TQM were identified. The structural equation modelling technique was employed to investigate the relationship between the implementation of TQM practices and organizational performance. Data analysis reveals that there is a strong positive relationship between TQM practices and non‐financial performance of SMEs, while there is only weak influence of TQM practices on financial performance of SMEs. With only a mediating effect of non‐financial performance that the TQM practices has a strong positive impact on financial performance of SMEs.
Research limitations/implications
The sample is restricted to only a single region and a single industry, so it would be strongly recommended that data be gathered from various parts of Turkey including both various manufacturing and service industries. As the data in this study were collected from top managers of organizations on the basis of their subjective evaluations, objective performance indicators should also be employed in the analysis.
Originality/value
Despite some attempts on the applicability of TQM practices and advanced manufacturing technologies as well as their impact on organizational performance of SMEs, there is a lack of systematic empirical evidence regarding the extent of TQM implementation and its effect on performance of SMEs in emerging market economies. This paper presents new data and empirical insights into the relationship between TQM implementation and organizational performance in SMEs operating in Turkey.
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Ugur Yavas, Osman M. Karatepe, Turgay Avci and Mehmet Tekinkus
This study investigates the potential impact of organizational variables on the service recovery performance of frontline employees, and the impact of successful service recovery…
Abstract
This study investigates the potential impact of organizational variables on the service recovery performance of frontline employees, and the impact of successful service recovery on frontline employees’ job satisfaction and intensions to resign. Data obtained from a survey of frontline employees working in several banks in two cities in Western Turkey serve as the study setting. Results and their implications are discussed.
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Osman M. Karatepe and Mehmet Tekinkus
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of work‐family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and intrinsic motivation on front‐line employees' job performance, job…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of work‐family conflict, emotional exhaustion, and intrinsic motivation on front‐line employees' job performance, job satisfaction, and affective organizational commitment in Turkish retail banks as its setting.
Design/methodology/approach
A total number of 363 usable questionnaires were personally retrieved from front‐line employees in the research location. The relevant writings were canvassed in order to design the survey instrument. The hypothesized relationships were tested using LISREL 8.30 through path analysis.
Findings
Results reveal that work‐family conflict increased emotional exhaustion and decreased job satisfaction. Intrinsic motivation was found to exert a significant negative impact on emotional exhaustion. Results demonstrate that high levels of intrinsic motivation resulted in high levels of job performance, job satisfaction, and affective commitment to the organization. The empirical results also indicate that emotional exhaustion exerted a significant negative effect on job satisfaction. As hypothesized, high levels of job performance led to increased job satisfaction. However, work‐family conflict and emotional exhaustion did not have any significant effects on job performance and affective organizational commitment. As expected, the empirical results provided support for the significant positive effects of job performance and job satisfaction on affective organizational commitment.
Research limitations/implications
Job performance was operationalized via self‐report measure. In future research, incorporating non‐work variables such as family, leisure and life satisfaction into the research model would shed further light on one's understanding about the relationships of work‐family conflict and emotional exhaustion with those variables.
Practical implications
Top managements of banks should be committed to establishing and maintaining family‐supportive work environments. By doing so, properly trained bank managers can create a culture that helps front‐line employees balance work requirements with non‐work responsibilities. In addition, these managers should provide ongoing training programs, which aim to teach front‐line employees how to manage time effectively and resolve problems associated with work‐family conflict and emotional exhaustion.
Originality/value
The present study makes useful additions to the current knowledge base by investigating the effects of work‐family conflict and intrinsic motivation on emotional exhaustion and the effects of work‐family conflict and emotional exhaustion on various job outcomes of front‐line bank employees in a developing economy.
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Mehmet Demirbag and Sunil Sahadev
The purpose of this paper is to explore the major factors that impact the quality commitment of employees in organizations.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the major factors that impact the quality commitment of employees in organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper uses a cross‐sectional design and the propositions are validated through two sample surveys conducted in two separate organizations in Turkey.
Findings
The study presents four independent variables as the major factors affecting quality commitment of employees, viz. the leadership commitment towards quality; the quality orientation of the organization; team effectiveness and effectiveness of quality‐related communication. The four hypotheses are found to be valid.
Originality/value
The paper attempts to contribute towards the literature on quality commitment of employees. So far, studies on quality commitment have been quite limited and hence this effectively fills a gap in the literature. Examination of data collected from a government ministry and a manufacturing company reveals some significant findings, which contributes to quality management literature.
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Mehmet Demirbag, Sunil Sahadev, Erdener Kaynak and Aziz Akgul
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to model the antecedents and consequences of quality commitment among employees in a service organization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to model the antecedents and consequences of quality commitment among employees in a service organization.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model based on extant literature on quality commitment is validated through a study among employees in a consultancy organization in Turkey involved in servicing SMEs.
Findings
The conceptual model finds reasonable support through the study. All the proposed antecedents and consequences are found to be linked positively as per the propositions.
Research limitations/implications
The study is based on a single organization, which could impact the generalizability of the results. Further two of the constructs are measured using two item scales, affecting the scale validity.
Originality/value
This paper introduces a model of quality commitment, which focuses on the outcomes of quality commitment, and validates it in the context of a service organization.