TQM as a competitive factor

Abstract

The influence of total quality management (TQM) on performance has been a prominent topic in numerous empirical studies, most of which have shown the relationships between the two concepts to be positive. Nevertheless, the empirical evidence is not always conclusive and, in general, there is no theoretical framework on which to base a solid argument that justifies these relationships. In this context, the objective of this paper is to analyse the effects that TQM has on the organisational results from a competence‐based perspective. Taking this approach as a reference, a TQM initiative is considered to be a competitive factor, a distinctive competence, and the characteristics that make it possible to consider it as such are analysed. The paper reflects on the theoretical arguments that justify TQM as a competitive factor and presents empirical evidence in this sense, analysing the effects TQM has on the quality, operational and financial results.