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Towards a contingency theory perspective of quality management in enabling strategic alignment

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  • McAdam, Rodney
  • Miller, Kristel
  • McSorley, Carmel

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.

Suggested Citation

  • McAdam, Rodney & Miller, Kristel & McSorley, Carmel, 2019. "Towards a contingency theory perspective of quality management in enabling strategic alignment," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 207(C), pages 195-209.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:207:y:2019:i:c:p:195-209
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2016.07.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Nair, Anand & Singh, Prakash J. & Bhattacharya, Ananya & Pal, Sukrit, 2021. "Withstanding the economic recession: Examining the efficacy of manufacturing strategy alignment and process integration," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 231(C).
    3. Ikram, M. & Sroufe, Robert & Rehman, E. & Shah, S.Z.A. & Mahmoudi, A., 2020. "Do Quality, Environmental, and Social (QES) Certifications Improve International Trade? A Comparative Grey Relation Analysis of Developing vs. Developed Countries," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 545(C).
    4. Yang, Yang & Jiang, Yan, 2023. "Buyer-supplier CSR alignment and firm performance: A contingency theory perspective," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    5. Parast, Mahour M., 2022. "Toward a contingency perspective of organizational and supply chain resilience," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 250(C).
    6. Chauhan, Chetna & Kaur, Puneet & Arrawatia, Rakesh & Ractham, Peter & Dhir, Amandeep, 2022. "Supply chain collaboration and sustainable development goals (SDGs). Teamwork makes achieving SDGs dream work," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 147(C), pages 290-307.
    7. Parast, Mahour Mellat & Safari, Arsalan, 2022. "Enhancing the quality and competitiveness of small businesses: A pooled cross-sectional analysis," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    8. Prim, Alexandre Luis & Freitas, Kenyth Alves de & Paiva, Ely Laureano & Kumar, Maneesh, 2023. "The development of quality capabilities in Brazilian breweries: A Co-evolutionary approach," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    9. Escrig-Tena, Ana B. & Segarra-Ciprés, Mercedes & García-Juan, Beatriz, 2021. "Incremental and radical product innovation capabilities in a quality management context: Exploring the moderating effects of control mechanisms," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 232(C).
    10. Wang, Chenxiao & Qureshi, Israr & Guo, Feng & Zhang, Qingpu, 2022. "Corporate social responsibility and disruptive innovation: The moderating effects of environmental turbulence," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 139(C), pages 1435-1450.

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