What is the main goal of Total Quality Management (TQM)?

The main goal of Total Quality Management (TQM) is to eliminate defects and encourage continuous improvement. TQM is a comprehensive management approach that focuses on enhancing the quality of products and services through a continuous improvement process involving all levels of an organization. By prioritizing quality at every stage of production and service delivery, organizations aim to meet or exceed customer expectations, thereby fostering satisfaction and loyalty.

Central to TQM is the concept of involving every employee in the quality assurance process, motivating them to identify areas for improvement, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency. This ongoing commitment to quality improvement helps organizations not only to minimize defects but also to create a culture of innovation and proactive problem-solving, which ultimately leads to operational excellence and competitive advantage.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the core objectives of TQM. Reducing the workforce or increasing advertising budgets are not intrinsic to enhancing quality. Similarly, while shortening product development cycles can be beneficial, it is not the primary goal of TQM, which emphasizes the importance of quality over speed in processes.