Abstract
The aim of this paper is to explore the role of Quality Management (QM) theory and practice using a contingency theory perspective. The study is grounded in the role of QM in improving strategic alignment within Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) using Contingency Theory rather than adopting best practice approaches. An inductive theory building research methodology was used involving multiple case analyses of five SMEs, involving repeat interviews (n=45), focus groups (n=5) and document analysis. From the findings, it was found that Contingency Variables (strategy, culture, lifecycle and customer focus) and their respective typologies were found to interact with QM practices in helping to shape strategic alignment between the SMEs and their environments. This shaping process based on contingency approaches occurred in a manner unique to each SME and their respective environments rather than in an overarching best practice manner.
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 195-209 |
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | International Journal of Production Economics |
| Volume | 207 |
| Early online date | 15 Jul 2016 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2019 |
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Keywords
- Quality Management
- Contingency theory
- Strategic Alignment
- SMEs
- Case Studies.
- Case studies
- Strategic alignment
- Quality management
Cite this
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Towards a Contingency Theory perspective of Quality Management in Enabling Strategic Alignment. / McAdam, Rodney; Miller, Kristel.
In: International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 207, 01.01.2019, p. 195-209.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
TY - JOUR
T1 - Towards a Contingency Theory perspective of Quality Management in Enabling Strategic Alignment
AU - McAdam, Rodney
AU - Miller, Kristel
N1 - Compliant in QUB repository; email uploaded to 'Other files'
PY - 2019/1/1
Y1 - 2019/1/1
N2 - The aim of this paper is to explore the role of Quality Management (QM) theory and practice using a contingency theory perspective. The study is grounded in the role of QM in improving strategic alignment within Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) using Contingency Theory rather than adopting best practice approaches. An inductive theory building research methodology was used involving multiple case analyses of five SMEs, involving repeat interviews (n=45), focus groups (n=5) and document analysis. From the findings, it was found that Contingency Variables (strategy, culture, lifecycle and customer focus) and their respective typologies were found to interact with QM practices in helping to shape strategic alignment between the SMEs and their environments. This shaping process based on contingency approaches occurred in a manner unique to each SME and their respective environments rather than in an overarching best practice manner.
AB - The aim of this paper is to explore the role of Quality Management (QM) theory and practice using a contingency theory perspective. The study is grounded in the role of QM in improving strategic alignment within Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) using Contingency Theory rather than adopting best practice approaches. An inductive theory building research methodology was used involving multiple case analyses of five SMEs, involving repeat interviews (n=45), focus groups (n=5) and document analysis. From the findings, it was found that Contingency Variables (strategy, culture, lifecycle and customer focus) and their respective typologies were found to interact with QM practices in helping to shape strategic alignment between the SMEs and their environments. This shaping process based on contingency approaches occurred in a manner unique to each SME and their respective environments rather than in an overarching best practice manner.
KW - Quality Management
KW - Contingency theory
KW - Strategic Alignment
KW - SMEs
KW - Case Studies.
KW - Case studies
KW - Strategic alignment
KW - Quality management
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85048737627&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://pure.qub.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/towards-a-contingency-theory-perspective-of-quality-management-in-enabling-strategic-alignment(ee1e651c-a4bd-41a0-b8e9-f71c53650b45).html
U2 - 10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.07.003
DO - 10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.07.003
M3 - Article
VL - 207
SP - 195
EP - 209
JO - International Journal of Production Economics
T2 - International Journal of Production Economics
JF - International Journal of Production Economics
SN - 0925-5273
ER -