TQM CONCEPTS

EMPLOYEE PARTICIPATION

The concept of employees participation originated in Japan during the years in which TQM was introduced. The essence of ensuring employees’ participation lies in the belief that apart from performing physical work, employees at all levels can contribute to the organization by sharing their experience and ideas. This is sharp contrast to the Western Concept of top down management in which the employees at the lower levels are expected to only follow orders issued from the top. An effective TQM effort will require the participation of every person in an organization. Though the worth of an individual has been grossly under estimated, organizations which have implemented TQM have benefited by creating an environment in which individuals have contributed to the organizations success. There are several methods to harness the potential of every person. Quality circles, employee suggestion schemes, employee education and training, and recognition are essential elements in ensuring employee participation. Continuous communication between employees and management through regular meetings, in-house journals, bulletin boards and news letters is essential for ensuring participation of all employees. No TQM effort can be effective without employees’ contribution to improving products and processes. Employee participation also ensures high morale, productivity and increased customer and employee satisfaction.

In organizations implementing TQM, employee involvement is ensured through TPM, 5S activities, quality circles and suggestion schemes.