The role of the cultural audit in implementing quality improvement programs

This paper discusses the adoption of total quality management in seven Australian organisations based on case study research. It reports on the reasons for adopting TQM, planning and implementation issues, benefits achieved and the limitations and difficulties associated with the introduction of TQM. The analysis concludes that the effect of TQM on an organisation’s culture should not be underestimated as it is a radical change to the organisation’s strategy which is geared to changing the culture in the long term. The analysis indicates that the principles found for successful introduction of effective cultural change are also applicable when implementing TQM programs in organisations. The implementation of a five step cultural audit as a prerequisite for the successful introduction of TQM into organisations is proposed.