Total quality management in health care: A goal setting approach

Abstract

Deficiencies in the theory and practice of Total Quality Management (TQM) and challenges to its succesful implementation in healthcare organizations are examined in the context of TQM's strict systems-level focus. Theoretical and empirical work in organizational behavior is offered as a means to improve healthcare management practice in the area of Total Quality Management. Research on goal setting and, specifically, the use of proximal learning goals is offered as a way to address the gap created by motivational inadequacies in TQM theory. Finally, evidence of the lack of technical TQM knowledge in healthcare organizations is presented and goal-setting theory is applied to that particular challenge in TQM practice.