The document discusses different approaches organizations take when implementing total quality management (TQM) and reasons why TQM initiatives often fail. It identifies three common approaches as materialistic, ritualistic, and spiritualistic. The most successful implementation requires balancing all three aspects. Most companies that fail focus too much on only one aspect or treat TQM as a quick fix without establishing a quality culture and management commitment.

1. Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

2. Implementing TQM is not as simple as acquiring
knowledge of it.
The reasons for failure of TQM are related to the
various approaches followed by the organizations in
implementing TQM.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

3. Approaches followed by organizations can be
categorized as:
 Materialistic
 Ritualistic
 Spiritualistic
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

4. Materialistic Approach
Organization is concerned about results and don't
focus on systematic approach and people
involvement.
They skip steps and treat people as mechanical
machinery.
These kind of organizations usually ends up in a
chaotic situation.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

5. Ritualistic Approach
Organization go after systematic approach without
adequate focus on people involvement and results.
They end up creating bureaucracy and the results
do not show any improvement. People lose faith
and confidence. This can be seen in many ISO
certified companies.
Following only system and procedures is no
guaranty of quality.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

6. Spiritualistic Approach
Organization focuses on people involvement and
create lot of enthusiasm. But they fail to channelize
their energy through proper systems and defined
approaches towards the result, which can be
measured in quantified terms – thus end up in total
confusion.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

7. Balancing Act
Successful implementation of TQM
requires the balancing act between the Ritualistic
Materialistic
three aspects without over or under-doing
any of these. Spiritualistic
Majority of companies, who fails in TQM
initiatives do not understand this.
Balancing Act
They just pick a few TQ tools like 7 QC
tools, SPC, QCC, TPM, 5S and want quick
solution to their problems.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

8. Reasons for failure
¤ TQM implementation without quality culture.
¤ Lack of top management commitment and involvement.
¤ Employees resistance to change.
¤ Barriers between departments (Lack of teamwork).
¤ Measuring quality.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com

9. Reasons for failure
¤TQM viewed as quick fix with focus on short term goals.
¤ TQM overly complicated by SPC techniques.
¤ Failure to link TQM strategically with business goals.
¤ Although TQM is conceptually applicable to all departments
/ functional areas, but in actual practice it usually confined to
quality assurance or quality control of products / services.
Pankaj Nalwa pankajnalwa@gmail.com