Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore changes occurring in the human resource (HR) function and human resource management (HRM) practices due to the implementation of total quality management (TQM) in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach Quality managers and HR managers from 77 export‐based firms with ISO 9001 certification that have implemented a formal TQM programme, running for at least three years, participated in the survey. Factor analysis, correlation and regression were used for the data analysis. Findings It was found that firms introduce process improvement initiatives within the HR department by upgrading the role of the HR function, and by redesigning HRM practices of performance management, competence development and career planning, rewards and recognition, recruitment and selection, HR planning, and satisfaction and well‐being to bring those in line with TQM requirements. Originality/value Although QM literature is extensive, it is difficult to find studies that investigated to what extent TQM practices have been adopted by export‐driven organisations in developing economies and what are the changes occurring in the HR function and HRM practices due to TQM initiatives. Understanding these is important to the development of QM theory in the international context. It is expected that the paper's findings will be able to establish baseline data to stimulate further research in this area.
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