Influence of total quality management on human resource management practices: An exploratory study

Purpose- This article explores changes occurred in the HR function and HRM practices due to the implementation of TQM in Sri Lanka. Design/methodology/approach- Quality managers and HR managers from 77 exportbased firms with ISO 9001 certification that have implemented a formal TQM programme and running for at least three years participated in the survey. Factor analysis, correlation and regression were used for the data analysis. Findings- Firms introduce process improvement initiatives within the HR department by upgrading the role of HR function, and by redesigning HRM practices of performance management, competence development and career planning, rewards and recognition, recruitment and selection, HR planning, and satisfaction and well-being to bring those in line with TQM requirements. Originality/value- Although quality management literature is extensive, it is difficult to find studies that investigated to what extent TQM practices have been adopted by export-driven organisations in developing economies and what are the changes occurred in the HR function and HRM practices due to TQM initiatives. Understanding these are important to the development of quality management theory in the international context. It is expected that the findings of this exploratory study will be able to establish baseline data to stimulate further research in this area.