How is employee empowerment related to TQM?

Employee empowerment is a key aspect of Total Quality Management (TQM) because it promotes a culture where individuals at all levels feel responsible for quality improvements. By empowering employees, organizations encourage a proactive approach to identifying and resolving quality issues. This involvement not only enhances employees' commitment to their work but also fosters an environment where continuous improvement can thrive.

When employees are empowered, they are given the authority and resources to make decisions related to their work processes. This leads to increased innovation and responsiveness to customer needs, as employees often have firsthand insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with their tasks. In the context of TQM, this means that employees are not just passive participants; they actively contribute to quality initiatives, leading to better outcomes for the organization.

Conversely, discouraging employee participation or limiting decision-making would create a restrictive environment that stifles creativity and problem-solving. A focus solely on external quality assessments without involving employees misses the critical internal perspectives that can drive significant improvements. Therefore, employee empowerment is fundamentally aligned with the principles of TQM, enabling a collaborative effort towards achieving high-quality standards.