A Postmodern Deconstruction of Total Quality Management (TQM)

David S. Steingard · Dale E. Fitzgibbons

89 citations0/0 files storedJournal of Organizational Change Management

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Quality and Supply Management Management Theory and Practice Management Systems and Quality Improvement

Abstract

Offers a postmodern, deconstructive analysis of total quality management (TQM) theory and practice. Problematizing TQM, uncovers unchallenged assumptions and implicit power relations cloaked by management science′s veil of objectivity and value‐neutrality. Tracing these assumptions and power relations to the life‐worlds of TQM organizations, regrettably discovers an obsequious and dehumanized subjectivity of TQM workers. These alienated TQM workers are inscribed in a seamless and inescapable network of totalitarian power relations epitomized by authoritarian admonitions of “the one right way”, “quality is Job 1”, and “quality or else”. As hegemonic TQM ideology insidiously permeates all aspects of social life, witnesses an unparalleled threat to the basic individual rights of a liberal democracy. Proclaiming the “death of TQM”, optimistically discusses preliminary suggestions for an emancipatory post‐TQM theory and practice.

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References

1991The fifth discipline, the art and practice of the learning organization 1951The Origins of Totalitarianism 1968The Phenomenology of the Social World.1972Knowledge and Human Interests.1965The Technological Society 1989Technologies of the Self: A Seminar with Michel Foucault.2009Kaizen: The key to Japan‚s competitive success 1992Post-Modernism and the Social Sciences

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2000Nuts about Change 2007Excellence – 25 years evolution 2007TQM and Higher Education: A Critical Systems Perspective on Fitness for Purpose 1997A review and case study on learning organizations 2002The Justification of Knowledge 1998The Sound of One Hand Clapping 2002A road less travelled

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