What is the main difference between TQM and traditional quality management?

The distinction between TQM (Total Quality Management) and traditional quality management primarily lies in TQM's holistic approach, which emphasizes organization-wide continuous improvement. This means that TQM goes beyond merely assessing the quality of individual products or services; it encompasses the entire organization and its processes, aiming to enhance quality at every level.

In TQM, all employees are involved in the quality improvement process, fostering a culture where quality is a shared responsibility. The focus is not just on meeting customer expectations but on creating systems that enhance efficiency and quality continuously, which ultimately leads to better customer satisfaction and competitive advantage. This comprehensive approach facilitates ongoing feedback, learning, and development across all departments, rather than limiting quality initiatives to specific segments or isolated quality checks.

In contrast, traditional quality management often prioritizes product quality without necessarily integrating it into broader organizational practices or emphasizing continuous improvement. This narrower focus can result in missed opportunities for systemic enhancement and overall effectiveness in quality management.