What does Total Quality Management focus on in a business environment?

Total Quality Management (TQM) is a comprehensive management approach that emphasizes the long-term success of an organization by focusing on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. In a business environment, TQM prioritizes both internal and external customer satisfaction as a fundamental goal.

This means that TQM aims not only to meet the needs and expectations of external customers—those who purchase the products or services—but also to address the requirements of internal customers, such as employees and other departments within the organization. By ensuring that both types of customers are satisfied, businesses can foster a culture of quality and enhance overall performance.

In the context of TQM, understanding and responding to stakeholder needs is essential, as it leads to improved processes, products, and services, ultimately resulting in better organizational outcomes. The focus on continuous improvement ensures that companies are consistently evaluating their practices to enhance quality and performance across the board.