Lo, Victor H. Y. (1997) Implementing quality management in a Chinese based society : Hong Kong : executive summary. EngD thesis, University of Warwick.

Preview

PDF WRAP_THESIS_Lo_1997.pdf - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Download (4Mb)

Abstract

The research described in this Executive Summary starts from the premise that the implementation of TQM in Hong Kong is primarily focused on the use of individual tools for improvement. However, since 1991, more interest has developed in the holistic approaches, such as ISO 9000. Information gathered for this research supports the hypothesis that there is a missing quality dimension, namely, that of quality culture, which must obviously be of paramount importance if sustained quality performance is to be achieved. The second hypothesis explored in this research is that quality philosophies developed in the industrialised West can be better understood and appreciated if they can be explained in terms familiar to Chinese workers and managers, i. e., interpreted in terms of Chinese culture. This should lead to better integration of tools, techniques, holistic quality systems, and general philosophies concerning quality. All this should result in better and more effective implementation of TQM in Hong Kong. This study can be divided into two parts, A and B. Section A is mainly concerned with the exploration and understanding of the existing Hong Kong situation in terms of quality management implementation. Section B is concerned with the cultural aspects that were identified as being relevant to quality management. These cover Chinese values, Confucian principles, and how these are related to the principles of TQM. Several behavioural models were studied and the Connor/England model was selected and used to measure the relationship between cultural values and attitudes towards quality behaviour. The work of Professor Michael Bond on Chinese values was combined with the author's own interpretation of Chinese attitudes as expressed in Confucian Principles. This was to better understand quality behaviour intention when viewed from the point of the British Standard 7850 definitions of Total Quality elements. The Fishbein Behavioural model was also used as part of the survey instrument to measure Chinese attitudes in the implementing of TQM. A computer statistical package was used to analyse the survey data collected from local companies. The statistical factor analysis identified the working principles which best support TQM implementation in terms of the roles of both the leaders and the supporting staff of a company. The analysis also identified the role of Confucian Principles in terms of helping junior, middle, and senior management to better understand each others' working principles, and thereby promoting harmony and teamwork.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (EngD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Total quality management -- Hong Kong
Date:	1997
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Engineering
Thesis Type:	EngD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Roberts, Paul ; Leung, T. P.
Extent:	vi, 74, [45] leaves
Language:	eng
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/4391

Request changes to a record

Actions (login required)

View Item