TQM: a knowledge enabler?

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of total quality management (TQM) as a knowledge enabler in the creation and exploitation of organisational knowledge. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative investigation adopts a case‐study methodology to analyse the role of TQM in knowledge creation in 21 prominent firms, utilising an investigation framework based on the “socialisation,” “externalisation,” “combination,” and “internalisation” model of knowledge generation. Findings TQM is shown to be an effective enabler of knowledge generation. TQM provides policies and tools (such as general involvement of all employees, teamwork, feedback mechanisms, and widespread communication) that are inherently useful as enablers of knowledge creation and dissemination. Research limitations/implications Future studies should investigate the specific causal nexus between TQM and product innovation. Practical implications TQM can be utilised to support an organisation's utilisation of corporate knowledge as a real source of competitive advantage. Originality/value Empirical research on knowledge and quality management is scanty. This paper addresses the gap by empirically examining the relationship between TQM and knowledge creation.