Core values – the entrance to human satisfaction and commitment

Do Social Exchange Relationships Influence Total-Quality-Management Involvement? Evidence from Frontline Employees of International Hotels

This study delves into the assessment of the quality of social exchange relationships in the workplace, specifically focusing on leader-member exchange (LMX) and team-member exchange (TMX), to forecast employee Total Quality Management (TQM) involvement within the hospitality industry. Employing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), the study evaluates multiple hypotheses, utilizing data collected from 811 frontline employees in international tourist hotels located in Taiwan. The findings demonstrate that both LMX and TMX exhibit direct positive influences on employee TQM involvement. Moreover, through mediated path analyses, it is evident that both LMX and TMX exert indirect positive impacts on employee TQM involvement, by means of self-efficacy and job satisfaction. These results elucidate a clear causal chain mechanism underlying the behavior of employee TQM involvement within such social relationships. The study's revelations carry significant implications for the hospitality industry, shedding light on the nuanced dynamics of these social relationships and their impact on employee behavior concerning TQM involvement. The discussions encompassing the implications of these findings in the realm of hospitality are thoroughly explored and detailed.

Evaluation of organizational variables of quality 4.0 in digital transformation: the study of an Indian manufacturing company

Purpose

The study aims to identify organizational variables of quality 4.0 for an Indian manufacturing company in the case of digital transformation. Furthermore, the organization enhances its quality 4.0 performances to its success based on the degree of relevance of these variables, insight into these variables and sub-factors to prioritize them.

Design/methodology/approach

Initially, two rounds of the survey were conducted with 11 decision-makers from the company made to receive organizational variables scores and prioritize the factors and sub-factors. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based research methodology has been proposed to assign the criterion weights and prioritize the identified variables.

Findings

The results of this AHP model demonstrate that “Committed Leadership” is recognized as the top positioned variable and most significant organizational variable, followed by Collaboration and Quality culture, which are developed at the next level. These essential organizational variables with their sub-categories' priorities are identified as contributing attributes.

Research limitations/implications

The findings facilitate quality 4.0 in the digitalization era, which take into contemplating the current state of the business. Furthermore, the understanding of variables provides insightful guidance to analyze, solve complex problems and assess the efficacy of quality 4.0 in digital transformation.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is to pinpoint, and evaluate the responsible organizational variables and prioritize them that lead to high productivity and competitive advantage considering the AHP method.

Total Quality Management and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ (SMEs) Performance: Mediating Role of Innovation Speed

This study focuses on investigating the role of innovation speed in mediating the relationship between total quality management and small and medium-sized enterprise performance. Cross-sectional data from 484 Nigerian small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises were collected using judgmental sampling, which was targeted at the owners and managers of small-scale manufacturing enterprises within Nigeria. The obtained data were evaluated using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Hence, the heuristic model for the relationship was subjected to a string of tests using the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique. The results show that total quality management is positively related to operational performance as well as innovation speed, which has a substantial influence on the nexus between total quality management (TQM) and small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SME) performance. The study expands the understanding of innovation, regarding speed and its measures within total quality management, where the five basic dimensions of total quality management are top management quality practices, employee quality management, customer orientation, process management, and employee knowledge and training. Furthermore, the model contributes to the scarce literature on the mediating factors needed to boost the operational performance of small-scale manufacturing firms.

Total quality management as driver for internationalization: a case study of a small family firm

Purpose

This study investigates the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) and internationalization in small family firms, focusing on the role that the dimensions of TQM may have as strategic resources to implement successful internationalization strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study is based on a single case study, and data were gathered through in-depth interviews with the family owner-manager.

Findings

Findings show that small family businesses that aim to operate in international markets have to invest constant attention toward TQM by developing strategies able to achieve excellence. More in detail, for small and medium family firms, TQM represents a driver to internationalize. Therefore, family-owned managers sustain that internationalization success depends on the increasing attention exhibited toward the following dimensions of quality, specifically on three main pillars: relationships, professionalization and long-term vision, which appear to be strategic resources in international markets. An interpretive model is proposed with a set of propositions.

Research limitations/implications

Scholarly implications are threefold. First, findings contribute to the RBV theory by introducing the long-term vision as a strategic resource able to activate a loop between TQM and internationalization success. Second, results contribute to TQM literature, highlighting that it represents a driver to internationalize, and following a long-term perspective, its enhancement is stimulated by internationalization. Third, findings contribute to family business studies, underlining the relevance done of owners on professionalization as a strategic resource to ensure excellence and obtain success in overseas markets. The main drawback refers to the fact that results stemmed from one single case study. Further studies could deepen the analysis on multiple cases.

Practical implications

The proposed case study represents a best practice and can stimulate other entrepreneurs and consultants to invest in TQM to thrive internationalization strategies.

Originality/value

The current study, elucidating that TQM is the driver to stimulate family business internationalization, proposes an interpretive model to study TQM and internationalization in small and medium family firms.

Which leadership roles modify employee perceptions of CSR activities? Job satisfaction implications in the case of the tourism industry

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of leadership roles on the corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as perceived by employees, as well as their impact on job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing upon a sample of 245 employees in the tourism industry, a structured questionnaire was developed to measure leadership roles and CSR activities as perceived by employees. The competing values model was adopted to operationalize leadership roles.

Findings

Results indicate that different leadership roles are linked with different dimensions of CSR activities, although innovator role proved to prevail on this association. More specifically, innovator role is related to all CSR dimensions, followed by monitor which is associated with the philanthropic and environmental dimensions. The broker role is related only to environmental CSR actions.

Research limitations/implications

The possibility to generalize the results to other countries with different characteristics (e.g. regulatory framework, economic development) needs to be investigated further by carrying out similar studies.

Practical implications

Understanding the nature of the association between leadership and CSR activities would enable practitioners to pursue or cultivate these roles and behaviors creating strategic value by fostering their multidimensional impact upon the social context.

Originality/value

The present research has led to the diagnosis of the leadership role profiles supporting CSR strategies in the tourism industry. Findings also highlighted the importance of the innovator leadership role in explaining the variance of different aspects of CSR activities.

Delving into the soft side of TQM: an analysis of the implications of employee involvement on management practices

Purpose

Soft total quality management (STQM) is a requisite for the successful implementation of hard total quality management interventions. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the implications of adopting soft total quality management practices. Inter alia, little is known about the consequences of employee involvement in addressing organizational and management challenges. To fill this gap, the article investigates the effects of employees' involvement on their commitment to organizational excellence.

Design/methodology/approach

Secondary data were collected from the European Company Survey (ECS). A large sample of 15,958 European companies was involved in the analysis. A parallel mediation model was devised to investigate the effects of employee involvement on commitment to organizational excellence. Training and motivation were contemplated as mediating variables to investigate the indirect implications of employee involvement on commitment to organizational excellence.

Findings

Employee involvement contributed marginally towards establishing an increased individual commitment to organizational excellence. Training and motivation played a relevant and statistically significant mediating role, boosting the implications of involvement on commitment to organizational excellence.

Practical implications

Employee involvement is critical for establishing an organizational climate conducive to organizational excellence. However, its implications should be contextualized in light of the mediating role of training and motivation. On the one hand, training is expected to increase employees' participation in the enhancement of organizational excellence. On the other hand, motivation fosters employee engagement in the improvement of organizational dynamics.

Originality/value

The article investigates the implications of employee involvement on commitment to organizational excellence in a large sample of European companies, emphasizing that soft TQM interventions should be implemented according to a systemic perspective in order to pave the way for a viable commitment to organizational excellence.

Local vs. International Hamburger Foodservice in the Consumer’s Mind: An Exploratory Study

Fast-food chains are everywhere and every day millions of people choose to have a break in a fast-food outlet. However, in recent years some local hamburger foodservice chains outside of the well-known international fast-food chains have found success by leveraging products linked with their territory. How do consumers value the service received in an international, rather than a local, fast-food outlet? This aspect is under-investigated in the literature, but is relevant in order to capture the main and most important differences between the two systems. Through a structured survey, consumers’ perceptions of both international and local hamburger foodservice outlets in the Turin Metropolitan area (Italy) were measured and analysed. The results indicate that consumers generally have a break in an international fast-food restaurant, but the value assigned to local fast-food chains is higher than that assigned to international ones. Specifically, local fast-food chains are appreciated for particular aspects related to the supply chain (animal welfare, ethical and social aspects, the origin of the raw materials, and some other characteristics of the food). The findings contribute to a more in-depth understanding of consumer behaviour, and give an insight into the relevance of the local aspects as opposed to the international ones.

Enhancing participation through organizational drivers

Purpose

This paper unifies previous research literature on employee participation in continuous improvement (CI) activities through the development and validation of a conceptual model. The purpose of this model is to illustrate how organizational drivers foster organizational and individual enablers which, in turn, strengthen employee participation in CI. The article also discusses the results and managerial implications.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, the article introduces the main variables affecting employee participation in CI, looking at the different possible relationships proposed in existing literature. In accordance with the Kaye and Anderson (1999) framework, these variables are categorized into organizational drivers, organizational and individual enablers and individual outcomes. Based on these categories, a model was put forward and empirically validated using data collected from three Spanish companies (n = 483) and using partial least squares structural equations modelling (PLS–SEM).

Findings

A model was put forward, proposing PIRK systems (power, information, rewards, knowledge) as the main organizational driver of employee participation in CI activities. PIRK impacts positively on social influence (organizational enabler), self-efficacy and job satisfaction (individual enablers). These enablers, together with employee intention of participating, help determine employee participation in CI activities.

Practical implications

Organizations with CI programmes should develop systems based on employee empowerment, information, rewards and knowledge in order to foster their self-efficacy and seek out a culture where social influence may help to improve job satisfaction. By suitably managing these organizational drivers, managers can help to further develop certain organizational and individual enablers responsible for fostering employee participation in CI activities.

Originality/value

By unifying different behavioural and CI-related frameworks, this paper carries out an in-depth study into the process of fostering employee participation as the key aspect in helping organizations sustain CI programmes. This paper shows the importance of managing PIRK organizational drivers as levers in the process of developing certain organizational and individual enablers, which are responsible for enhancing employee participation in CI.

Improving ICU transitional care by combining quality management and nursing science – two scientific fields meet in a systematic literature review

Purpose

The purpose of this literature review was to explore to what extent quality management (QM) and nursing science offer complementary perspectives to provide better quality care, by looking at QM core concepts and tools.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was conducted. Papers published in academic journals between January 2013 and December 2019 were included. A deductive content analysis was chosen using QM core values as an analytical framework.

Findings

The results showed that QM core values, methodologies and tools were found in the reviewed articles about intensive care unit (ICU) transitional care. The results indicated that core values in QM and the core competencies within nursing science in ICU transitional care are mutually dependent upon each other and exist as a whole. ICU transitional care is, however, a complex interpersonal process, characterized by differences in organizational cultures and core values and involving multidisciplinary teams that collaborate across hospital units. The QM core value that was least observed was committed leadership.

Research limitations/implications

Combining QM and nursing science can contribute to a deeper understanding of how to improve the ICU transitional care process by bringing complementary perspectives.

Practical implications

The included articles portray how QM is applied in ICU transitional care. Implications for future research focus on enhancing the understanding of how QM and nursing science can bring complementary perspectives in order to improve ICU transitional care and how QM values, methodologies and tools can be used in ICU transitional care. Committed leadership and team collaboration in ICU transitional care are areas that call for further research.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the body of literature by providing important insights in terms of how QM core values, methodologies and tools are present in research about ICU transitional care and how the two research subjects, namely, QM and nursing science, bring complementary perspectives.

Key middle manager trustworthy behaviours that enhance operator participation in continuous improvement systems

Purpose

This paper aims to identify key middle manager trustworthy behaviours that encourage employees’ participation in continuous improvement activities in industrial contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

The list of behaviours has been developed in two different phases. First, the authors conducted two concept mappings with operators and middle managers and, subsequently, the authors combined and integrated both points of view. Second, the authors developed an expert panel with researchers, consultants and experienced practitioners of industrial management for debugging and reducing the results, presenting the final list of behaviours.

Findings

This work presents 55 different middle manager trustworthy behaviours divided into four different categories: human qualities; training and development; technical and managerial competencies; and team building.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to existing literature about sustainable continuous improvement systems highlighting the role of middle managers and proposes a set of specific middle manager trustworthy behaviours for increasing supervisors’ influence on operator participation.

Originality/value

After extracting the knowledge of different stakeholders, the list of behaviours identified can serve as a useful tool for recruiting, training, evaluating and developing a supervisors’ managerial style that enhances operator participation in continuous improvement activities.

The relationship between TQM and SMEs’ performance

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the association between total quality management (TQM) and small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) performance. In particular, it examines whether organizational culture (OC) has a mediating effect on the TQM–SME performance relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The conceptual model for this study was developed based on the literature review of TQM, OC and SME performance. As the research framework, a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from managers/owners of SMEs in the Riyadh, Mecca and Eastern regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The instrument was evaluated for its validity and reliability. A structural equation model was designed to examine the relationships, using PLS 3.0.

Findings

Statistical outcomes add to the literature through displaying a positive direct effect of TQM and OC on SMEs’ performance, and a significant and positive indirect effect of TQM on SMEs’ performance through OC.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative cross-sectional research design investigated a sample of manufacturing SMEs. Future research could use qualitative techniques or a case study approach for further information analysis.

Practical implications

The findings of this research provide insights into SMEs’ owners/managers in today’s dynamic manufacturing environment, focussing on TQM as a mechanism for improving their performance. The results can help SMEs by providing guidance on OC, because of its effect on the successful implementation of TQM, therefore improving the level of performance.

Originality/value

The research extends the literature of TQM with a comprehensive understanding of TQM from the perspective of SMEs in Saudi Arabia. It fills the gap in empirical studies that investigate the joint effect of TQM and OC on SMEs’ performance. This paper highlights the theoretical contribution and managerial implications as well as making recommendations for future research.

Workplace health in wellness – a study of Swedish spa-hotels

Purpose

In previous research, quality management practices have been found to be related to better health for employees. Dimensions of health-promoting quality leadership have been defined. The purpose of this study was to identify dimensions of workplace health in the wellness industry and relate them to the dimensions of health-promoting quality leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study involving seven leading spa-hotels in Sweden has been carried out. The first part of the study consisted of quality cafés carried out at each of the hotels. The quality café is a novel method, which has the World Café-method as its basis, combined with quality management techniques. Based on the findings from the quality cafés, an employee survey was developed.

Findings

The findings from the study include a definition of five major health dimensions for the employees, namely, happiness, kinship, respect, physical health conditions and control. The dimensions were found to be statistically consistent and correlated with the self-reported health of the respondents.

Research limitations/implications

The findings are related to health promotion theory and the dimensions of health-promoting quality leadership. A framework for health leadership in the wellness industry is proposed. The study was only carried out in one country.

Practical implications

The framework and the findings should be useful for managers, particularly in the wellness sector, when designing their operations and health promotion activities.

Originality/value

Workplace health in the wellness sector, which is growing worldwide, is very scarcely researched.

The impact of organizational culture on total quality management in SMEs in Nigeria

The goal of this exploration is to observationally test the connection between total quality management and SMEs' performance. Specifically, it looks at whether organizational culture (OC) has an interceding impact on the TQM-SMEs performance relationship. Established on the literature review of TQM, OC and SMEs performance, the theoretical model for this investigation was formed. A self-controlled survey was utilized to gather information from the SMEs owners-managers in the South-western region of Nigeria. In determining the relationship, SEM-PLS 3.0 was utilized. Measurable results add to the literature by showing a positive direct impact of TQM and OC on SMEs' performance, and a critical and positive aberrant impact of TQM on SMEs' performance through OC. The quantitative cross-sectional research configuration explored an example of assembling SMEs. Subjective methods or a contextual investigation approach for additional data examination could be utilized for subsequent research. The results of this exploration give awareness into SMEs' owners-managers in the present unique manufacturing setting, concentrating on TQM as an instrument for improving their performance. The outcomes can help SMEs by giving direction with regards to the OC, on account of its impact on the effective execution of TQM, in this way improving the dimension of performance. The examination expands the TQM literature with an extensive comprehension of TQM from the point of view of SMEs in Nigeria. It fills the void in observational examinations that research the joint impact of TQM and OC on SMEs' performance.

Leadership strategies for enhancing employee commitment in TQM

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show what motivational strategies can be applied to a successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) and how these support employee commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The relationship between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to employee commitment is illustrated by presenting two case studies.

Findings

Extrinsic motivation plays a role in enhancing normative commitment as a sense of indebtedness. Intrinsic motivation promotes a high level of normative commitment as moral duty and also a high level of affective commitment. Even if a TQM implementation project is not successful, the efforts to increase commitment are likely also have a cultural impact.

Originality/value

The presented framework helps senior executives motivate employees properly to support organizational commitment and also the success of TQM implementation.

TQM, games design and the implications of integration in Industry 4.0 systems

Purpose

Voluntary participation, feedback loops, rules and goals are key elements of total quality management (TQM). The purpose of this paper is to determine if these four elements which make TQM successful are the same elements that make computer games successful. If this is the case, what are the implications for developers of Human Computer Interfaces (HCI) in Industry 4.0.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a systematic literature review of recent literature on engagement in games and user experiences and HCI design for industry followed by interpretation of the literature. The findings from the literature review are analysed and compared to TQM.

Findings

Good game design and TQM share four key components: goals, rules, a feedback system (including rewards) and voluntary participation. There is an opportunity for HCI developers to use a user experience lens inherent in games evolution and to expand on the design and motivational elements that have made games and TQM successful at motivating and engaging. Kuutti’s (1995) proposal of activity theory puts forward a promising framework for making systems engaging. There are positive implications merging good games design and TQM in socio-technic systems which could improve engagement and quality in companies implementing in Industy 4.0.

Research limitations/implications

The implications of achieving increased engagement in HCI systems similar to those seen in companies that have successfully implemented TQM could lead to greater productivity in companies operating in the highly technical environments of Industry 4.0.

Originality/value

The originality of this paper is threefold: first, a description of the origins in industry of voluntary participation, feedback loops, rules and goals and their relationship to TQM; second, a systematic literature review of the same elements in computer games design; and third, the implications for developers of HCI systems in Industry 4.0.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its internal consequences on job performance

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of corporate ethical values on the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and work-related outcomes (organizational commitment (OC), organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and in-role job performance) in the case of a Greek port logistics management services organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The field research was carried out by using a structured questionnaire, which was based on empirically validated scales. Employees’ perception of CSR was measured by two dimensions (i.e. social, environmental).

Findings

Statistical analysis (PLS-SEM) confirms the conceptual framework of the study. More specifically, results revealed the association of both CSR dimensions with CEV and OCB. However, CEV proved to act as a full mediating variable between CSR and OC. Thus, CSR impact on OC is realized only through the development of concrete corporate ethical values. Similarly, CEV influences in role job performance, only through OC and OCB.

Research limitations/implications

This study is cross-sectional; thus, causality of the relationships under investigation cannot be justified. The cultural context should also be considered, as field research was conducted in a Greek port logistics organization, at a country suffering from deep financial recession.

Originality/value

Discussion of the importance of corporate ethical values and the underlying mechanisms of organizational policies and practices guiding CSR impact on crucial job-related outcomes.

Understanding the main organisational antecedents of employee participation in continuous improvement

Purpose

Companies use continuous improvement (CI) as a strategy to achieve business excellence and innovation. Yet CI initiatives fail mostly due to a lack of employee engagement. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the CI literature and the technology acceptance model (TAM), a comprehensive model called continuous improvement acceptance mode (CIAM) was developed to understand the main organisational antecedents that predict employee intention to participate in CI. The CIAM is based on structural equation modelling using partial least squares and it was validated in a large manufacturing plant in Europe.

Findings

Emulating the findings of the TAM, this study shows that employee intention to participate can be predicted by two variables called ease of participating and usefulness of participating. The CIAM then relates these constructs with relevant CI enablers found in the CI literature.

Practical implications

The CIAM could help academics and practitioners to better understand employee participation in CI activities, allowing CI systems to be better designed and achieve long-term sustainability.

Originality/value

The CIAM presents new variables and interactions that help to understand employee participation in CI activities. Some of these variables and interactions have received scant attention in the CI literature and thus they are worth investigating in greater depth in the future.

The impact of the innovative Total Quality Management tool in small and medium-sized enterprises

he present paper falling into the field of innovative management tools explores using the Total Quality Management (TQM) tool in the SME sector in Slovakia, attempting to identify barriers to the use of this tool in the given segment. TQM can be ranked among the innovative management tools that are under investigation and in our contribution, we want to bring a new overview of the use of this tool. Our research was based on foreign research in which the TQM management tool is at the forefront of use. On the other hand, we know from the research conducted so far on management tools in our business environment that the use of innovative tools is relatively low. The present research is based on the formulated hypotheses verified using statistical methods, namely the chi-square test of independence. In this research, we worked with hypotheses arguing that there are statistically significant relationships between the lack of personnel and financial resources on the one hand and the use of the innovative TQM management tool on the other hand. These relationships were statistically proved because in both examined hypotheses the expected value of p was lower than 0.05. We can, therefore, conclude that the lack of financial resources and the lack of skilled labour are among the important barriers to the use of TQM. In the determination of the third hypothesis, we assumed that managers could not agree on the establishment of TQM. This fact can, therefore, contribute to its relatively low use in our business environment. We also consider the incongruity of managers´ ideas as a barrier that may have an impact on the use of TQM, and these dependencies were examined by the Chi-square independence test. In verifying this hypothesis, the p-value was calculated to be p˃0.05 proving that this factor has no effect on the use of TQM and there is no dependency between these variables. In the present paper, we also focus on juxtaposing the present investigation with the research conducted to date in the field of innovative management tools. The present research is aimed at identifying barriers to the use of this management tool in an SME environment and at presenting TQM as a modern innovative instrument to be used by companies to manage and measure their performance. By using TQM, the company can align the financial and non-financial factors together and thus increase its competitiveness and meet the expectations of investors and other stakeholders. Keywords: Total Quality Management, innovative management tools, small and medium enterprises, performance.

Strengthening quality culture in private sector and health care

Purpose The purpose of this study is to present a comprehensive approach to studying organizational culture using "soft measures" to facilitate sustainable quality development in organizations. The purpose is also to present, discuss and compare the results from a survey designed to measure a company's value base. Design/methodology/approach A number of different methods were used to collect soft data to study and measure organizational culture and at the same time influence the culture and the leadership within three organizations. One method, the survey, was used on two different occasions to obtain an overview of the culture within an organization and to investigate if the activities had influenced the culture and the leadership. Findings The application of soft measures used by leaders to study and develop organizational culture resulted in statistically significant positive changes in organizational work culture, according to a pre-post survey after a short period of one year. Practical implications The approach can be used by leaders in different types of organizations as the challenge of changing the organizational culture through the leadership seems to be a common challenge regardless of line of business. Originality/value The study shows the benefits of using a comprehensive approach to assess an organization's culture based on qualitative measures and analysis.

Environmental comfort based (ECB) methodology as a tool for preparing Kaizen application in a catering service company

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that is based on the concept of environmental comfort and can serve as a tool that can help companies and employees to implement Kaizen projects. This methodology focuses on the worker’s participation in analyzing and developing improvements related to their workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is focused on the development of a methodology that encourages worker participation in improvement activities, through the analysis of their working conditions. For this purpose, the proposed methodology was developed in accordance with the dimensions of workplace comfort proposed by Vischer. The employees start working on the analysis of problems and their solutions through the logical framework approach, as it is a tool that encourages worker participation and consensus. The developed methodology was applied in a company, with three different groups of people, which enabled the authors to test its utility.

Findings

The findings reveal that the proposed methodology is effective in initiating workers in the path of Kaizen. The employees who applied this methodology were able to propose improvement actions that addressed the problems and opportunities that they had previously detected. Moreover, the questionnaire that was used to validate the methodology and was administered to employees shows that the methodology is useful in preparing them for adopting continuous improvement (CI) programs.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology presented in this paper has been applied and evaluated by a small number of employees. These limitations suggest future research recommendations.

Practical implications

This participatory methodology could be used by different types of companies to initiate employees on the path of CI, even if they are not familiar with improvement programs or methodologies. In addition, its use could improve the capabilities of employees in areas such as participatory analysis, problem identification and proposal of objectives. These capabilities are necessary in any Kaizen project. As a result of the application of this methodology, the companies could obtain a list of areas of improvement related to their work and propose actions to work on.

Originality/value

The paper presents the use of environmental comfort in the workplace as the first step in accomplishing a Kaizen project, with a focus on the employee involvement and consensus.

Economic crisis and business excellence: a comparative multi case study assessment

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact that crisis had on quality management and basic business processes using INSEAD’s industrial excellence framework (IEF) towards large Greek industrial units. This study proposes a modified version of the IEF which can help firms to operate through a turbulent environment.

Design/methodology/approach

Data that were collected during the current financial crisis were compared with a matched sample of business units surveyed a decade earlier. The variables that were used to measure performance were grouped into two categories, quality management and process improvement.

Findings

Through the examination of these cases, the authors identify the characteristics that empowered those BUs so as to remain alive during the turbulence. According to the results, the survivors train their staff systematically, have closer relationships with their suppliers, assess their processes and follow up with action plans. Findings also suggest cultural differences between survivors vs non-survivors. Survivors display a cultural profile typical to adhocracy since they describe themselves as more flexible and externally focused instead of being stable and internally focused. These findings are discussed and avenues for future research are presented.

Practical implications

The results of the study can be applied by quality managers of industrial organizations to achieve higher performance and overcome a turbulence of the external environment.

Originality/value

Previous research on the business excellence frameworks neglects the essential issue of sustainability and how an organization can survive a crisis. The study provides new insights into the long-term benefits of applying an excellence framework.