TQM and organisational innovation: a systematic review and research framework

The objective of this paper is to build a conceptual framework to study the relationship between total quality management (TQM) and organisational innovation. Past and recent literatures that linked TQM concept with organisational innovation served as the backbone to develop the conceptual framework. The built framework consists of six chosen TQM practices and two-dimensional organisational innovation, namely product innovation and process innovation. Varying degree of the strength of the relationship between the six proposed TQM practices and product innovation and process innovation is worthy of subsequent empirical investigation to identify the most suitable combination as proposed in the framework. The best combination in the framework is expected to achieve process and product innovations which emphasises on operational efficiency and effectiveness respectively. Since product and process innovations are important for organisations to operate in an efficient and effective manner, the management needs to invest time and effort to identify and implement the best TQM practices necessary to achieve organisational goals. This framework has the potential to serve as the solution to efficiently and effectively implement a set of organisational best practices to enhance the competitive position of an organisation with the aspirations of becoming an industry leader.