Which of the following is a key principle of TQM?

A key principle of Total Quality Management (TQM) is involving all employees in the quality improvement process. This inclusive approach recognizes that every employee, regardless of their position, plays a vital role in enhancing quality. It fosters a culture of collaboration and commitment, emphasizing that everyone's input can contribute to identifying areas for improvement and developing solutions. By empowering employees to take ownership of quality, organizations can create a proactive environment where quality is everyone’s responsibility, leading to continuous improvement.

In contrast to this principle, focusing exclusively on profits can hinder quality initiatives, as it may prioritize short-term financial gains over the sustainable improvement of products and services. Encouraging reactive measures in quality management also deviates from TQM principles; TQM emphasizes a proactive approach, where preventive measures are preferred to avoid problems before they arise. Lastly, disregarding supplier relationships undermines a fundamental aspect of TQM, which values collaboration with suppliers to ensure that all components of the process, including materials and services, meet high standards of quality. Therefore, involving all employees is essential for fostering a quality-driven culture within an organization.