Replying to LO29248 --
Alan,
Here's the definition of TQM which I have used for the past ten years:
Total Quality Management is an evolving system of practices, tools, and
training methods being developed primarily by industry, for creating
higher quality products and services for increased customer satisfaction
in a rapidly changing world.
The application, so to speak, of this definition depends on a pre-existing
culture of risk, learning, connection, communication, some of the very
qualities addressed by those who contribute to our dialog here. So, when I
hear about organizations like the one you worked for who claimed TQM as a
culture, I react with a degree of skepticism, too.
Best regards,
Barry
> From: "Alan Cotterell" <acotrel@cnl.com.au>
>
> I once worked for an organisation which claimed TQM as it's management
> culture. However meetings were held on an informal basis, no minutes were
> taken, hence no 'action points' allocated to participants. Over a long
> period, nothing substantial was achieved.
>
> There is a 'correct way' to run a meeting. In Australia all sporting,
> special interest and social clubs are registered as corporations. The
> Articles of Incorporation along with the Corporations Act ensures a
> certain level of democracy in the proceedings. Minutes must be taken and
> kept on file.
>
> There are plenty of corporations in Australia which don't observe the
> niceties or even these legal requirements. However the winds of change
> are blowing
-- Barry Mallis The Organizational Trainer 110 Arch St., #27 Keene, NH 03431-2167 USA voice: 603 352-5289 FAX: 603 357-2157 cell: 603 313-3636 email: theorgtrainer@earthlink.netLearning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <Richard@Karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>
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