Barriers Associated with Total Quality Management Practices: A Comparative Study Between Service- and Manufacturing-based Medium Enterprises

Total Quality Management (TQM) is essential for the long-term survival of all enterprises, including medium enterprises, as it improves the competitiveness of organizations by focusing on customer satisfaction, streamlining processes, reducing waste, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. However, there are several barriers associated with the effective implementation of TQM. The study explores the barriers associated with the successful implementation of TQM in service and manufacturing medium enterprises in Kamrup (Rural) and Kamrup (Metropolitan) Districts of Assam in Northeast India. Required primary data were obtained through a survey of owners and employees of 65 service-based and 77 manufacturing-based medium enterprises. A sample of 600 employees, 300 employees from each of these two types of enterprises, was selected using a convenience sampling technique. A descriptive research design was used, and two separate questionnaires were used for gathering information from sample subjects. One-way analysis of variance was utilized to analyze the data. The findings suggested that the top management should address issues related to continuous training and education, as well as a lack of resources. By exploring the barriers of TQM adoption, this study provides insights that can help these enterprises improve quality, enhance operational efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the socio-economic development of the state.