Human Dimensions for Total Quality Management (Hardbound - 2005)

The hunt for QUALITY has become the one and only one strategic force leading to organisational success and growth in both national and international markets in the new age of globalisation. The organisations, which will succeed, are those that can uphold a dedication to Total Quality in each and every organisational function. In this perspective, managing people effectively and decorously has become more indispensable than before. People are the major basis of any organised endeavour. No matter how sophisticated the quality strategy of the organisation is, it won’t pass with flying colours unless people are earnestly involved and committed to it. People are inexorably the key to achieve quality. The purpose of the present book is to assist the academics, researchers, and in particular practitioners to comprehend and manage people in their endeavour to achieve quality.

The book is based upon the research work of the authors on “Human Dimension of Total Quality Management” conducted at Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited/Vishakhapatnam Steel Plant, which is a quintessence of successful implementation of TQM programme in the Indian organisations. It is a minutiae of the strategic concepts, tools and techniques of TQM, and contemplates the core issue of TQM and Human Resource interface. The thrust of the book is to look at how TQM is practised in Indian organisations with an accentuated emphasis on the role of HR professionals and various human factors, diverse challenges brazen out by HR professionals in the course of TQM implementation etc. The presentation made in this book, on its face, may appear to be limited as it is based upon the findings of a study carried out in a single organisation. Nevertheless, it is a premeditated attempt to make a detailed inquiry into the issue.

Dr. Nayantara Padhi is a Lecturer in School of Management Studies, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. She has done her Masters and Doctorate in Industrial Relations and Personnel Management from Berhampur University, Orissa.

Dr. Padhi has published a number of articles in different reputed national and international journals. Her area of specialisation is Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management. She is also actively involved in the area of Distance and Open Learning.

Dr. Sasmita Palo is a Reader in the Unit for Labour Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai. Prior to joining TISS, she was a faculty in P.G. Department of Industrial Relations and Personnel Management, Berhampur University, Orissa for about a decade, and also served in the Office of the Labour Commissioner, Orissa for about two years. She has authored articles for many recognized national and international journals. At present, Dr. Palo is engaged in research, counselling and teaching. Her area of specialisation is Organisational Behaviour.