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The compatibility of performance appraisal systems with TQM principles – evidence from current practice

Ebrahim Soltani (Kent Business School, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK)
Robert van der Meer (Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Strathclyde, UK)
Terry M. Williams (Strathclyde Business School, University of Strathclyde, Strathclyde, UK)
Pei‐chun Lai (Hospitality Management Department, School of Tourism, Ming Chuan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China)

International Journal of Operations & Production Management

ISSN: 0144-3577

Article publication date: 1 January 2006

8394

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the question whether or not quality‐driven organisations have, in practice, tended to adjust their performance appraisal systems to integrate total quality management (TQM) requirements.

Design/methodology/approach

To do so, the findings of an initial literature survey suggested the combined use of quantitative and qualitative methods for empirical research. The quantitative element consists of a postal questionnaire survey of 64 UK‐based, quality‐driven organisations on the topic of performance appraisal in the context of TQM. Key informants from ten of these organisations were subsequently interviewed in order to gather detailed information on the reasons behind their initial responses.

Findings

The results indicated that only a minority of the respondents were satisfied with their TQM programmes. But this comparative lack of success did not lead them to eliminate performance appraisal altogether, as advocated by Deming and others because of the role of systems‐level causes of performance variation.

Research limitations/implications

One important question concerns the notion (expounded in much of the quality literature) that a vast proportion of the variance in individual performance is caused by systems‐level features. There is, however, little hard evidence for this view.

Practical implications

By acquiring the relevant knowledge and understanding of contextually‐appropriate performance appraisal and management, practitioners would be able to translate and mediate TQM requirements into performance appraisal criteria to maintain the integrity of organisational change initiatives aimed at long‐term business excellence.

Originality/value

The research provides a starting‐point for both TQM scholars and managers, and it can serve as a road‐map and a challenge to quality‐driven organisations.

Keywords

Citation

Soltani, E., van der Meer, R., Williams, T.M. and Lai, P. (2006), "The compatibility of performance appraisal systems with TQM principles – evidence from current practice", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 92-112. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570610637030

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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