Total Quality Management and Its Relationship with Local Work Culture in SME Manufacturing Industry of Oman

Abstract

This study examines the impact of total quality management (TQM) practices on local work culture of Oman within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. A survey of 243 respondents revealed a significant positive correlation between top management support and various aspects of local work culture, including information systems, organizational structure, incentive systems, and operations. Top management support was found to strongly influence these dimensions, with correlation values ranging from 0.673 to 0.792. Regression analysis indicated that top management support explains 74.9% of the variation in local work culture. information systems and operations showed the most significant influence, with unstandardized coefficients of 0.384 and 0.311, respectively. The study concludes by recommending that SMEs in Oman strengthen top management support, enhance information systems, and improve operations to foster a more supportive work culture. This would contribute to better organizational performance and sustainability in the manufacturing sector.