What is the primary focus of quality control in TQM?

The primary focus of quality control in Total Quality Management (TQM) is to monitor and maintain product quality standards. TQM emphasizes a holistic approach to quality, where continuous improvement in processes and products is essential. Quality control serves as a means to ensure that products meet predefined standards and specifications, leading to customer satisfaction and reduced variability in output.

In TQM, the role of quality control is proactive rather than merely reactive, meaning it involves establishing quality assurance practices and monitoring outcomes to identify and eliminate issues before they become larger problems. By maintaining high-quality standards, organizations can build a solid reputation and cultivate customer loyalty, which is crucial for long-term success.

While innovation, cost reduction, and market share are important aspects of a business strategy, they are not the primary focus of quality control within the TQM framework. Instead, quality control supports the broader objectives of the organization by ensuring that products are consistently produced to a high standard, ultimately contributing to innovation, cost management, and competitive positioning in the market.