Training, performance evaluation, rewards, and TQM implementation success

TQM has met with very mixed reviews from organizations that have attempted to understand and to implement this strategy for organizational improvement. Succesful implementation of TQM requires that all critical factors for success be addressed effectively. Several factors are thought to be crucial to the success of TQM. Among these factors are training in support of the transition to TQM, performance evaluation process and content aligned witht the nature of a TQM organization, and rewards for quality improvements. This paper examines the effects of training, performance evaluation, and rewards on TQM implementation success. TQM implementation success was measured by cost reduction, profit increases and higher morale. A survey of 111 New Mexico service and manufacturing firms is utilized to study the effects of TQM training, performance evaluation, and rewards on TQM implementation success. The results of this survey are analyzed through factor analysis and regression analysis. The results are discussed and integrated with the literature on training, performance evaluation, and TQM.