Total Quality Management (Tqm) Quiz

Organizations need to adopt a broad strategy to survive in a globally competitive environment because it allows them to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. This means that by implementing a comprehensive approach, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and maintain their position in the market over the long term. Without a broad strategy, organizations may struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing business landscape and may be at risk of losing their competitive edge. Therefore, it is crucial for organizations to embrace a broad strategy to thrive in a global marketplace.

Corporate social responsibility refers to the practice of businesses taking responsibility for their impact on society and the environment. It involves organizations considering not only their economic performance but also their social and environmental performance. By adopting a balanced approach, businesses can address economic, social, and environmental issues in a way that benefits people, communities, and society as a whole. Therefore, the given statement that corporate social responsibility is a balanced approach for organizations to address these issues and benefit society is true.

Interpersonal skills refer to the abilities and qualities that enable individuals to effectively interact and communicate with others. These skills are crucial for fostering positive relationships and collaboration in both personal and professional settings, ultimately leading to individual and organizational success. Therefore, the statement that interpersonal skills are necessary for people to work together in a positive manner, conducive to personal and corporate success, is true.

Internal partnering refers to collaboration and cooperation among different departments and teams within an organization. By working together, the workforce can pool their skills, knowledge, and resources to achieve common goals and drive continuous improvement in quality. This can lead to increased efficiency, productivity, and innovation within the organization. Therefore, the statement that the overall purpose of internal partnering is to harness the full potential of the workforce and focus it on continual improvement of quality is true.

Leaders must possess certain qualities in order to facilitate change in a positive way. These qualities include having a clear vision and corresponding goals, exhibiting a strong sense of responsibility, being effective communicators, having a high energy level, and having the will to change. These attributes enable leaders to effectively guide their teams through the change process and inspire others to embrace and support the change. Therefore, the statement that leaders must have these qualities to facilitate change in a positive way is true.

In a globally competitive environment, organizations need to perform at their best in order to stay ahead of their competitors. Peak performance refers to the highest level of performance that an organization can achieve. By consistently delivering high-quality products or services and maintaining efficient operations, organizations can gain a competitive advantage. Therefore, it can be concluded that peak performance is indeed essential for organizations operating in a globally competitive environment.

A quality circle is a group of employees that regularly meets to identify, recommend, and implement workplace improvements. This statement accurately describes the purpose and function of a quality circle, making the answer "True" correct. These circles are formed to encourage employee participation and engagement in problem-solving and decision-making processes, ultimately leading to increased productivity and quality in the workplace.

Morality is indeed defined as the values and principles that are upheld and promoted by society as a whole, as well as by individuals within that society. These values and principles guide people's behavior and help maintain social order. Therefore, the statement that morality refers to the values subscribed to and fostered by society and individuals is accurate and true.

In order to maintain a quality culture, organizations must acknowledge and incentivize behaviors that promote and support quality. By recognizing and rewarding employees who consistently demonstrate a commitment to quality, organizations create a positive reinforcement system that encourages others to follow suit. This helps to cultivate a culture where quality is valued and prioritized, leading to improved processes, products, and overall performance.

Lack of participation in planning by management can lead to training failure because without management's involvement, there may be a lack of support, resources, and clear objectives for the training program. When management is not actively involved in the planning process, employees may not see the importance of the training, leading to low participation rates and a lack of commitment to implementing the new skills or knowledge gained. Therefore, the statement that training sometimes fails due to a lack of participation in planning by management is true.

The statement suggests that quality encompasses not only products and services but also people, processes, and environments. This means that in order to achieve quality, it is not enough to focus solely on the end products or services, but also on the people involved, the processes followed, and the overall environment in which the products or services are delivered. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of quality are considered and addressed.

The Three-Legged Stool of Total Quality is a concept that represents the three key components of a successful quality management system: customer focus, process improvement, and employee involvement. In this context, the "seat" of the stool refers to the central and most important aspect, which is customer focus. This means that the organization should prioritize understanding and meeting customer needs and expectations in order to achieve total quality. Therefore, the statement that the seat of the stool is customer focus is true.

A core competency refers to a unique set of skills, knowledge, or capabilities that an organization possesses and excels at. These competencies are often difficult for competitors to replicate and can give the organization a significant advantage in the marketplace. By leveraging their core competencies, organizations can differentiate themselves from competitors and achieve superior performance. Therefore, it is true that a core competency can be viewed as a competitive advantage.

Coaches play a crucial role in promoting mutual respect among team members by setting clear expectations for behavior and encouraging positive communication and collaboration. They also promote cultural diversity by fostering an inclusive environment where individuals from different backgrounds and cultures can contribute and learn from each other. By valuing and respecting diversity, coaches help create a team atmosphere that celebrates differences and enhances team performance. Therefore, the statement that coaches promote mutual respect among team members and promote cultural diversity is true.

To function effectively in a total quality setting, employees and managers need to have good interpersonal skills. This is because effective communication, collaboration, and teamwork are essential for maintaining a positive work environment, resolving conflicts, and achieving common goals. Interpersonal skills also help in building strong relationships with colleagues and customers, promoting trust and respect. Without these skills, it would be challenging for individuals to work together harmoniously and contribute to the overall success of the organization. Therefore, the statement "In order for employees and managers to function effectively in a total quality setting, they must have good interpersonal skills" is true.

Educational institutions offer on-site customized training, technical assistance, and consulting services to assist organizations in enhancing their personnel and processes. This statement implies that educational institutions play a role in supporting continuous improvement efforts within organizations. Therefore, the answer is true.

Quality Function Deployment (QFD) is indeed a model used to incorporate customer input and feedback into the product development process. It involves translating customer needs and expectations into specific technical requirements and design parameters. By considering customer preferences and opinions, QFD helps to ensure that the final product meets or exceeds customer expectations. This approach can enhance customer satisfaction and improve the overall quality of the product. Therefore, the given answer, "True," is correct.

The statement suggests that employee enlistment goes beyond just giving employees the authority to be part of the decision-making process, but also includes the expectation for them to actively participate in it. This implies that employees are not only given the opportunity to contribute their ideas and opinions, but they are also encouraged and required to do so. Therefore, the correct answer is True.

To be an exporter, a manufacturer must have a competitive advantage over foreign competitors in terms of both quality and productivity. This means that the manufacturer needs to produce goods of higher quality and at a higher rate than their foreign counterparts. This is because exporting involves selling goods to foreign markets, and in order to be successful in those markets, the manufacturer needs to offer products that are superior in terms of quality and productivity. Therefore, the statement "In order to be an exporter, a manufacturer must be able to outperform foreign competitors in terms of both quality and productivity" is true.

This statement suggests that having a well-thought-out plan is not enough on its own; it is essential to effectively implement and execute the plan for it to have any positive impact or yield desired results. Simply having a good plan without proper execution will not lead to success.

The statement suggests that in order to become an effective leader, one must first understand the dynamics of being a follower. By learning how to follow, individuals can gain valuable insights into teamwork, collaboration, and empathy, which are crucial qualities for successful leadership. This understanding allows leaders to relate to and support their team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment. Therefore, it is important for aspiring leaders to develop their skills as followers before taking on leadership roles.

A team is defined as a group of individuals who come together with a shared objective or goal. They work collaboratively, utilizing their individual skills and strengths, to achieve that common goal. Therefore, it is true that a team is a group of people with a common, collective goal.

A team must have a mission statement because it explains the team's reason for being. A mission statement is a concise statement that outlines the purpose and goals of a team or organization. It serves as a guiding principle and provides clarity and direction to the team members. It helps define the team's purpose, values, and objectives, and ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal. Without a mission statement, the team may lack direction and focus, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Therefore, having a mission statement is essential for a team to understand and communicate its reason for existence.

In a total quality setting, individuals are expected to take ownership of their actions and outcomes, meaning they are responsible for the quality of their work and the impact it has on the overall performance of the organization. This accountability ensures that everyone is committed to delivering high-quality results and continuously improving their performance. Therefore, the statement "people are responsible for their actions and accountable for their performance" aligns with the principles of a total quality setting.

Corporate culture refers to the shared values, beliefs, and behaviors that shape the way things are done within an organization. It encompasses the norms, attitudes, and practices that influence the overall work environment and employee behavior. This definition implies that corporate culture is indeed the way things are done in an organization, making the statement "True" the correct answer.

The statement suggests that there is a direct relationship between improving an organization's financial condition and the process of making and measuring quality improvements. This means that by improving the quality of products or services, an organization can also improve its financial situation. This could be because customers are more likely to purchase high-quality products or services, leading to increased revenue and profitability. Additionally, the process of measuring quality improvements allows the organization to identify areas where costs can be reduced or efficiency can be increased, further contributing to financial improvement. Therefore, the statement is true.

Employees are more likely to resist change when it is forced upon them without their involvement or preparation. However, when employees are actively involved in and prepared for the change, they are more likely to accept and promote it. This is because when employees have a say in the change and are prepared for it, they feel a sense of ownership and are more likely to support and advocate for it. Therefore, the statement that change inflicted on employees will be resisted, but change engendered by involved and prepared employees will be accepted and promoted is true.

Building trust is an essential aspect of effective leadership. Managers play a crucial role in establishing trust within their teams by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and reliability. They need to lead by example, communicate openly, and follow through on their commitments. When managers exhibit these qualities, it fosters a sense of trust and confidence among their team members, leading to better collaboration, engagement, and overall performance. Therefore, the statement that building trust requires leadership on the part of managers is true.

Conflict management involves actively addressing and resolving conflicts within an organization. This includes identifying and addressing conflicts that are causing harm or hindering progress, as well as proactively initiating conflict when necessary to overcome stagnation. By actively managing conflicts, organizations can promote healthy communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, leading to improved productivity and overall success. Therefore, the statement is true.

Expectations play a crucial role in shaping organizational culture. The beliefs, values, and behaviors that make up a company's culture are often influenced by the expectations set by its leaders and employees. When expectations are clearly communicated and aligned with the organization's goals and values, it creates a positive and cohesive culture. On the other hand, when expectations are unclear or inconsistent, it can lead to confusion, conflict, and a fragmented culture. Thus, expectations are indeed important determinants of organizational culture.

The given statement suggests that consumers consider a product or service to be of high quality if it meets their expectations perfectly and possesses all the desired features. This implies that flawless execution and customization are crucial factors in determining quality according to today's consumers. Therefore, the statement is true.

The statement suggests that a nation's ability to compete in the global marketplace directly affects the quality of life of its citizens. This implies that if a nation is successful in the global marketplace, it will likely lead to economic growth, job opportunities, higher incomes, and improved standards of living for its citizens. On the other hand, if a nation is unable to compete effectively, it may result in economic stagnation, unemployment, lower incomes, and a decrease in the overall quality of life for its citizens. Therefore, the statement is true.

Changing an organization's leadership can be necessary to ensure cultural change because leaders have a significant influence on shaping the culture of an organization. They set the tone, values, and expectations for the entire organization. If the current leadership is resistant to change or does not align with the desired cultural transformation, it may be necessary to replace them with leaders who are more open to change and can effectively drive the desired cultural shift.

A workforce that is ready for empowerment is accustomed to critical thinking because empowerment requires individuals to make decisions, solve problems, and take ownership of their work. Critical thinking involves analyzing situations, evaluating information, and making reasoned judgments. Therefore, a workforce that is accustomed to critical thinking is more likely to be prepared for empowerment, as they have the skills and mindset necessary to handle the responsibilities and challenges that come with it.

Power refers to the capacity or ability to exert influence or control over others. It involves having the authority, resources, or skills to make others comply with one's wishes or decisions. Therefore, the statement "Power is the ability to exert influence" is true because power is indeed the capability to exert influence and shape the behavior or actions of others.

The statement is true because establishing a quality culture in an organization requires the involvement of individuals who can facilitate the implementation of change, such as leaders, managers, and supervisors. These individuals play a crucial role in promoting and supporting the adoption of quality practices and processes. On the other hand, there may also be individuals who can inhibit the implementation of change, such as those resistant to change or those who do not prioritize quality. It is important to identify and address any barriers or resistance to ensure successful implementation of a quality culture.

In a total quality setting, the customer plays a vital role in defining quality. This is because the customer's perception and satisfaction are the ultimate measures of quality. Their feedback, preferences, and expectations are taken into consideration to determine the standards and requirements for a product or service. By understanding and meeting the customer's needs and expectations, organizations can achieve higher levels of quality and customer satisfaction. Therefore, it is true that the customer defines quality in a total quality setting.

Empowerment refers to giving individuals the authority, autonomy, and resources to take ownership of their work and make decisions. Involvement, on the other hand, refers to engaging employees in decision-making processes and seeking their input. Without empowerment, involvement becomes ineffective as employees may not have the power or authority to implement their ideas or suggestions. Therefore, without empowerment, involvement is just another management tool that doesn't work. This implies that the statement "Without empowerment, involvement is just another management tool that doesn't work" is true.

Internal politics refers to the actions and behaviors within an organization where individuals manipulate situations and decisions for personal gain, rather than making decisions based on merit or what is best for the organization. This can include tactics such as forming alliances, spreading rumors, or engaging in power struggles. Therefore, the statement that internal politics consists of the games people play to promote decisions that are based on criteria other than merit is true.

Servant leadership/stewardship is a leadership approach that focuses on serving others rather than exerting power or control. It emphasizes the importance of serving both external customers (such as clients or customers) and internal customers (such as employees or team members). By prioritizing the needs and well-being of others, servant leaders aim to create a positive and supportive work environment, build strong relationships, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for everyone involved. Therefore, the statement that servant leadership/stewardship seeks to do a better job of serving both external and internal customers is true.

Partnering with potential competitors can be a strategic move to enhance competitiveness. By collaborating with rivals, companies can pool resources, share expertise, and access new markets or technologies. This can lead to increased innovation, cost efficiencies, and a stronger market position. It allows organizations to leverage each other's strengths and mitigate weaknesses, ultimately improving their competitive advantage. Therefore, the statement that the rationale for partnering with potential competitors is competitiveness is true.

This statement suggests that e-learning is not a standalone strategy but rather a tool that can be used within a larger strategy. It implies that e-learning should be integrated into a comprehensive plan or approach to achieve desired goals and outcomes. E-learning alone may not be sufficient to address all the needs and objectives of a learning or training program, but it can be an effective tool when used in conjunction with other strategies and methods.

This statement is not entirely accurate. While it is true that some teams may be managed in a boss-like manner, it is not a universal truth that teams are only bossed. Effective teams often have coaches who provide guidance, support, and mentorship to help the team members develop their skills and achieve their goals. Coaching involves a more collaborative and empowering approach, fostering a positive and growth-oriented environment. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Managers may resist employee empowerment due to the fear of exclusion. When employees are empowered, they are given more autonomy and decision-making authority, which can threaten the traditional power dynamics within an organization. Managers may fear that they will lose control or be marginalized if employees are given too much power. This fear can lead to resistance towards employee empowerment initiatives, as managers may feel that their own authority and status are at risk.

The job task analysis survey is a highly structured approach that managers can use to assess training. This survey helps identify the specific tasks and skills required for a job, allowing managers to create targeted training programs that address any gaps. By using this method, managers can ensure that employees receive the necessary training to perform their jobs effectively, leading to improved performance and productivity. Therefore, the statement is true.

The statement is false because if an organization begins to decline after implementing total quality, it does not necessarily mean that it should return to its traditional approach. There could be various reasons for the decline, such as implementation issues, lack of proper training, or external factors. In such cases, it would be more appropriate for the organization to identify and address the root causes of the decline rather than abandoning total quality altogether. This may involve making adjustments, improving processes, or providing additional support to ensure the success of the total quality approach.

The statement suggests that quality management does not have a future in the 21st century. However, this is not true. Quality management is essential in any industry to ensure customer satisfaction, improve processes, and drive continuous improvement. In fact, with the increasing complexity of products and services, quality management is becoming even more important in the 21st century. Therefore, the correct answer is False.

Communication does not just happen by itself. It requires active participation and effort from both the sender and the receiver. Effective communication involves the sender encoding a message, transmitting it through a chosen channel, and the receiver decoding and understanding the message. It also involves factors such as clarity, feedback, and understanding of non-verbal cues. Therefore, the statement "Communication just happens" is false.

Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no" and require more detailed responses. When trying to communicate effectively, it is important to avoid using open-ended questions because they can lead to lengthy and unfocused discussions. By using closed-ended questions, which can be answered with a simple response, communication can be more efficient and focused. Therefore, the statement that it is important not to use open-ended questions when trying to communicate is true.

SWOT analysis is an essential step in the strategic planning process, but it is not the only step. Strategic planning involves several other steps such as setting objectives, conducting market research, identifying target markets, developing strategies, implementing plans, and evaluating results. While SWOT analysis helps in assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, it is just one component of the overall strategic planning process. Therefore, the statement that SWOT analysis is the only step needed in the strategic planning process is false.