An Exploration of Total Quality Management Practices In U.S. R&D Organizations

ABSTRACT

This article presents the findings of an exploratory study of total quality management (TQM) practice in selected U.S. R&D organizations. Information was obtained through a nationwide survey of 31 R&D organizations and interviews with 13 R&D organization directors. Research questions are posed through a review of the related literature, and the research method is described. The current state of TQM practice in the surveyed organizations is elaborated, and special attention is given to TQM-related performance measurement. It is shown that under TQM, the perceived success of the R&D organization is a function of the metric being used for assessment and the degree to which measurement occurs. Research topic areas for further study are also proposed.