Which of the following is a characteristic of TQM?

A characteristic of Total Quality Management (TQM) is the involvement of all employees in quality improvement. TQM emphasizes a company-wide approach to quality that includes everyone from top management to frontline workers. This holistic approach recognizes that quality is not just the responsibility of a specific department, but rather a shared commitment across the organization.

Engaging all employees in quality improvement fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. When team members at all levels are encouraged to participate in quality initiatives, it leads to better identification of issues, more innovative solutions, and a stronger commitment to the organization's quality goals. This participation empowers employees, improves job satisfaction, and ultimately enhances organizational performance.

The other options do not align with the principles of TQM. Unlike a top-down management approach, TQM promotes collaboration and communication throughout the hierarchy. The focus isn't solely on short-term profits, but rather on long-term quality enhancements that can lead to sustained customer satisfaction and profitability. Additionally, TQM does not isolate quality responsibilities to a separate department, as quality is viewed as everyone's responsibility across the company.