Perceived Effects of Total Quality Management on Competitive Advantage of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service Company

Abstract

Total Quality Management is associated with continuous improvement and adoption of quality standards in organization operation with the aim of promoting competitive advantage. The primary purpose of this study was to establish the perceived impacts of total quality management on competitive advantage of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS). The study adopted case study research design and primary data collection. Data was collected using interview method. The target population was senior managers at KEPHIS. The study involved an interview of ten senior managers within the KEPHIS Company. Data was analyzed using content analysis method. The study found that TQM is related with competitiveness of KEPHIS. The findings of the study revealed that adoption of total quality management improved the competitive advantage of KEPHIS. The study results also found that the company top management has adopted various total quality management practices such as employee training, total employee participation and involvement as well as effective communication and teamwork. The adoption of appropriate evaluation and monitoring procedures, quality control feedback mechanisms, continuous improvement as well as process centered approach and customer focused production models were also part of total quality management practices within the company. The study concluded that adoption of total quality management promoted the competitive advantage of Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Company. The study also concluded that companies should adopt total quality management programs such as employee training, total employee participation and involvement, effective communication and teamwork as well as evaluation and monitoring procedures and quality control feedback mechanisms to increase their competitive advantage levels. The study recommended the need for agricultural companies in Kenya to adopt total quality management programs associated with employee training and capacity building, team work, communication and adoption of effective monitoring and control procedures. This is important towards the promotion of sustainable competitive advantage among companies.