The role of social quality in enhancing total quality management: An assessment through corporate social responsibility and business ethics

This study explores the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Business Ethics (BE) in enhancing Social Quality (SQ) within the framework of Total Quality Management (TQM). The primary objective is to analyse how CSR and BE contribute to the development of SQ, focusing on the interconnectedness of these concepts and their practical implications for business performance. A qualitative research design was employed, utilising a content analysis approach to systematically examine data from corporate reports, academic literature, and case studies. The findings reveal that CSR and BE are critical in fostering SQ by promoting brand reputation, stakeholder trust, employee engagement, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, companies that align their strategies with international standards such as ISO 26000, SA8000, and SEDEX achieve higher levels of SQ and sustainability. This study contributes to the existing literature by presenting a holistic framework that links CSR, BE, and SQ, offering theoretical and practical insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers. The implications of this study highlight the necessity for companies to integrate CSR and BE into their TQM practices to achieve sustainable development and long-term value creation.