文档介绍：From General System Theory to Total Quality Management
Dr. Te-Wei Wang, Florida International University, Miami, FL
ABSTRACT
This paper evaluates the theoretical ground for total quality management (TQM). General systems theory
(GST) is the referenced theoretical framework. TQM and GST are contrasted side by side from two perspectives:
theoretical assumptions and implementation methods. parison between system approaches and TQM
practices show that TQM is a true system approach. TQM provides principles and techniques implement GST. TQM
utilizes ic principle to deal with traditional efficiency and productivity problems. It also prescribes many
practical methods and technique for building a anization.
INTRODUCTION
TQM has long been criticized by the lack of guiding theories (Sitkin et al, 1994). Starting in the 1990s,
many researchers have tried to put TQM under rigorous theoretical examination. For example, Grant, Shani, and
Krishnan (1994) compared TQM with traditional management theories. Hackman and Wageman (1995) accessed
the coherence, distinctiveness, and likely perseverance of the TQM philosophy. Dean and Bowen (1994) also found
substantial overlap between TQM and management theory. Following their works, this paper describes and
examines TQM from the perspective of general system theory (GST). Why study TQM through GST?