Total Quality Management: A Source of Competitive Advantage in Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) on Competitive Advantage (CA) in manufacturing companies in Iran. It focuses on five TQM principles including Top Management Commitment, Training and Education, Employee Involvement, Customer Focus and Continuous Improvement, to evaluate its impact on competitive advantage. The study uses a sample of 132 managers of manufacturing companies. The study employed a survey design by using questionnaire as the data collection instruments. Simple random sampling technique has been used. The results indicated that TQM has a significant impact on competitive advantage. In addition, the findings revealed that among TQM principles, Top Management Commitment and Employee Involvement had a significant impact on competitive advantage.