A study of TQM implementation in Thailand

Abstract

Describes research which has been carried out using case‐study analysis to investigate how three Thai companies have adopted TQM. As Japanese and US companies are major investors in Thailand, one purpose of the study was to compare approaches to TQM implementation between three ownership categories: Thai, Japanese, and US‐owned companies operating in Thailand. A framework of TQM implementation developed from change management theory has been adopted for this study. The methodology used involved structured interviews with key staff throughout the selected organisations. The data collected were analysed for content using interview phrase‐matching. This method of analysis proved effective and can form the foundation for an in‐depth understanding of TQM implementation. The case study analysis illustrates that the companies studied have adopted distinct approaches to the implementation of TQM, which are described and placed in the context of the theoretical framework. Also describes the common characteristics of the TQM company which were found in the companies investigated.