How does TQM view the role of employees in the quality process?

Total Quality Management (TQM) emphasizes the importance of every individual within an organization as a crucial part of the overall quality process. This approach is rooted in the belief that the involvement and commitment of employees at all levels are essential for achieving continual improvement in quality. Employees are seen not just as workers who execute tasks, but as integral contributors who offer valuable insights and feedback that can lead to better processes, products, and services.

In TQM, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their work, engage in problem-solving, and contribute suggestions for improvement. This empowerment fosters a culture of collaboration and encourages a proactive approach to quality management, where employees are actively involved in identifying issues, implementing solutions, and maintaining quality standards.

The other options suggest a diminished role for employees in the quality process, which contradicts the foundational principles of TQM that promote involvement and teamwork as key drivers of quality improvement. Recognizing employees as integral contributors reinforces the idea that quality is everyone's responsibility, linking individual performance to the organization's overall success in delivering high-quality products and services.