The effect of total quality management practices on supply chain performance in the automobile industry

The Pakistan Industrial Technical Assistance Center (PITAC) and Pre-Start of Sales Quality Clinic (PSQC), which are all government-run organizations, failed to fulfill their responsibilities in modernizing the Pakistani automobile manufacturing industry. The automobile industry in Pakistan is one of the most significant industrial sectors, contributing approximately 3% of the country’s GDP and PKR 50 billion. Previously, scholars have discussed the use of TQM practices in different contexts, but this topic has been investigated less in the automobile industry. Furthermore, there are gaps in the literature regarding the relationships among top management commitment, customer focus, supplier quality management, human resource management and supply chain performance (SCP). The current study was designed to measure the impact of total quality management practices (TQMPs) on SCP of the automobile industry in Pakistan. Quantitative research was conducted, and a survey-based questionnaire was administered using a random sampling technique. Data from 155 senior managers representing the outlets of the automobile industry in Pakistan were analyzed using Smart PLS 4. Top management, customer focus, supplier quality, and human resource management are significant antecedents of SCP in Pakistan's automobile industry. This research addressed gaps in the supply chain literature and contributed significantly to the body of knowledge. We recommend that policymakers and practitioners implement practices to advance the SCP of the automobile industry in Pakistan. The study has novelty as unexplored area in literature was discussed by its findings. Policy and managerial implications of this research are significant to contribute to literature. The limitations of this research are discussed to provide significant insight for future directions.