Understanding the Influence of the National and …...influence of local national and organizational...
Transcript of Understanding the Influence of the National and …...influence of local national and organizational...
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MOHAMED HAFFAR
ID: 0731906
Title:
Understanding the Influence of the National and Organizational culture
on the Adoption of Total Quality Management in Syrian Public
Manufacturing Organisations
BBS Doctoral Symposium 23rd & 24th March 2009
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Title:
Understanding the Influence of the National and Organizational culture
on the Adoption of Total Quality Management in Syrian Public
Manufacturing Organisations
BBS Doctoral Symposium 23rd & 24th March 2009
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Abstract
Literature review has shown that there is an increasing recognition of the influence of
national and organisational culture on the success or failure of TQM adoption.
An overview of the literature addressing the influence of national and organizational
culture on total quality management adoption success in developing countries, and
particularly Arab countries reveals that there has been lack of extensive empirical
research on this area specifically in Syria. The majority of studies examining the above
mentioned relationship have been conducted in developed countries.
The aim of this study is examine the influence of national and organizational culture on
TQM adoption success in Syrian public manufacturing organizations.
This study contributes to the TQM adoption theory along with national and
organizational culture theory. It is also one of the few empirical studies to test the
relationship between these variables in developing countries and Arab world, and is the
first leading study in Syria that concentrates on TQM transformation considering the
influence of local national and organizational culture. The out come of this study could
produce an approach in the application of TQM that is compatible to cultural settings in
this country and develop a new thinking about the adoption of TQM in different cultural
contexts.
The purpose of this paper is to introduce a specific research question based on the
literature review, and to present the proposed future research strategies direction which
will help to answer the research questions and to achieve the research aim and objectives.
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1. Introduction:
In today’s economy, a great number of governments and companies in different countries
around the world have adopted and implemented TQM principles and practices (Juran,
1992; Lakhe, & Mohanty, 1994; Youssef and Zairi 1995). This is because they have
recognised TQM as a means for achieving competitive advantage in today’s global
markets (Dean and Bowen, 1994).
In evaluation the literature addressing TQM, the majority of studies examining its
practices and implementation, barriers, and relationship with culture have conducted in
developed countries, few empirical studies have been conducted on TQM and
systematically confirmed its relationship with national and organisational culture in
developing and Arab countries (AL- Kalifa and Aspinwal 2000). In the proposed
research, the researcher is looking at the influence of national and organizational culture
on TQM adoption in Syria which is one of the Arab and developing countries.
This paper will begin with a brief literature review on the research variables; TQM,
national and organizational culture and the relationship between them. It will then briefly
discuss the characteristics and problems of the Syrian economy and industry, followed by
presenting the research question, aim and objectives. Then, the proposed research
methodology and design which will be adopted to test empirically the influence of
national and organisational culture on TQM adoption will be presented.
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2. Literature review:
The area or field of this study consists of an integration of two streams of research,
namely national and organisational culture one the one side and TQM on the other side.
Narrowing it down, the author aims to analyse and examine the influence of national and
organisational culture (independent variables) on the adoption and implementation of
TQM (dependent variables).
2.1 TQM benefits:
Many researchers such as (Youssef & Zairi, 1995) argue that successful TQM
implementation leads to positive influence on both microeconomics at individual firm’s
level and macroeconomics at national’s level. The results of many recent empirical
studies (e.g. Samson & Terziovski, 1999; Easton & Jarrell, 1998; Lemak et al., 1997)
provide evidence of positive, direct and indirect, influence of successful TQM
implementation on the overall business performance of the organisation.
In addition, many authors as well as former and current politicians such as (Tony Blair,
Bill Clinton, Charles F. Wald; Dr Mohamed El-Baradei) considers that main reason of
the terrorism is poverty (e.g. Pech & Slade, 2006; Loza, 2006; Manokha, 2008; Ford,
2001; Comfort, 2003; Byrd, 2006; Kamal, 2008). Therefore, the researcher considers that
TQM implementation could help to preventing and combating Terrorism by eradicating
poverty.
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2.2 The relationship between national and organizational culture and TQM
adoption:
Many researchers consider that culture acts as a main driver (Kujala and Lillrank, 2004;
Kekale and Kekale, 1995; Al-Khalifa and Aspinwall, 2001) and barrier (Mellahi &
Eyuboglu, 2001) for successful TQM adoption and implementation. Therefore, it is very
important to study and consider the cultural issues. However, the issue of culture is so
complicated, complex and varied. Therefore, the researcher decides to study it at
adequate depth to clarify its impact and relation with TQM.
After an extensive review for the literature, the researcher concludes that national and
organisational culture has positive and negative influences on the implementation of
TQM (e.g. Tata & Prasad, 1998; Jung et al., 2008; Al-Khalifa and Aspinwall, 2001).
Within the both national and organizational culture literature, studies have identified the
dimensions of national culture and characteristics of organizational culture that influence
the adoption and implementation of TQM (e.g. Tata & Prasad, 1998; Jung et al., 2008;
Al-Khalifa and Aspinwall, 2001). Literature review has shown that the characteristics of
group and adhocracy culture, (Dellana and Hauser, 1999; Chang and Wiebe, 1996; Al-
khalifa and Aspinwall, 2000; 2001) and the attributes, values of culture in low power
distance and uncertainty avoidance countries (e.g. Tata & Prasad, 1998) are the most
supporters and facilitators for TQM implementation. Thus, they must be the dominant in
any country and organisation to achieve successful TQM implementation.
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In evaluation the literature addressing TQM, the majority of studies examining its
practices and implementation, barriers, and relationship with culture have been conducted
in developed countries, however, few empirical studies have systematically confirmed its
relationship with national and organisational culture in developing and Arab countries
(AL-Kalifa, Aspinwall, 2000) particularly Syria.
2.3 The influence of Arab and Islamic culture on TQM adoption
There is not any universal approach to TQM implementation because different countries
have different cultures, environments and history, which lead to differences in their
organizational cultures (Jung et al., 2008). As a result, successful TQM implementation
in any country requires an approach which is and culturally feasible; suit the socio-
cultural system in their countries (Kekale & Kekale, 1995) in order to decrease the
resistance to the minimum degree (Kekale & Kekale, 1995; Al- Khalifa & Aspinwall,
2001).
In addition, many authors such as (Corbin, 2007; Moubayed; 2005; Haffar 2007) have
noticed that the tension, growing gap and conflict between the west and the Islamic world
which has recently increased as a result of series of events lead to increase the Re-
islamisation; religiousness and reverting to Islam in many Arabic and Islamic countries
This in turn pushes people to change and give up the western lifestyle in all different
aspects of life (e.g. consumption (boycotting US and Danish products), business field…)
(Corbin, 2007; Moubayed, 2005; Haffar, 2007). Therefore, the researcher considers that
most probably the majority of people would tend to boycott and resist any western;
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foreign theory approach such as TQM. In the proposed study, the researcher aims to
develop framework to implement TQM suitable for Syrian culture and therefore decrease
and overcome the resistance of accepting this approach which perceived to be coming
from the west.
Therefore, the researcher has reviewed the factors that influence and shape Arab; Syrian
culture at adequate depth to clarify its impact and relation with TQM. These factors are
Islamic religion which is considered the most influential factor that shape Arab and
Syrian national culture (Tayeb, 1997), as well as other forces that have contributed and
affected the development of the Arabic cultural traits and the Arab behavior and practices
at the present time, such as the influence of tribalism and ‘value’ system of the nomadic
Bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula which has continued from the pre Islam period and
still persists till today (Baali, 2004), the influences of Ottoman Empire and European
Powers occupation on Arab culture, norms and values (Abbas, 2005).
The researcher has reviewed the interpretation of some Islamic texts and reviewed the
literature that discusses the relationship between Islam and modernization (Fuller, 2000;
Abbas, 2005), and compared between Islamic teachings and TQM principles. In addition,
the researcher has talked; discussed with some Islamic scholars to get deeper
understanding about the interpretations of some complex and not obvious texts related to
business and quality of work in Islam. As a result, the researcher supports the opinion of
many authors and politicians such as the former Prime Minister of Malysia; Mahathir
Mohammed, who consider that Islam is not anti modernization. In addition, the
researcher confirms and agrees with the conclusion of Al-Zamaney et al (2002) which
indicated that there is no contradiction between the quality practices proposed by TQM
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and the Islamic teaching. Moreover, the researcher considers that TQM practices and
principles are not only similar to Islamic teaching but also as a part of Islamic teaching.
This is because, the characteristics of group and adhocracy culture, and the attributes,
values of culture in low power distance and uncertainty avoidance countries, which are
considered as the most supporters and facilitators for TQM implementation, are
mentioned and emphasised in the main sources of Islamic teaching; (Q’uran and Sunnah).
Therefore, the poor record of modernization and low level of quality management
practices in most of the Arab countries is not due to Islam religion but as a result of many
other factors that make Muslims in modern Arabic states to be far away from Islam
teaching. Theses factors are secularism (Abdel- Salam, 2007), and a mixture of
fanaticism, capitalism, and feudalism (Chapra, 1992), which are the result of many
historical events, Ottman Empire and then European occupation for the Arab countries
(Hunter& Malik, 2005), as well as the pre Islamic values of nomadic tribes (Baali, 2004).
As a result, the researcher proposes that the translation of TQM practices into Islamic
framework is the most important element in the proposed framework which will be
introduced in the end of this study.
3. Research context:
The Syrian non-extractive industry contributes to only 15% of the GDP (Gross Domestic
Product). In 2007, 86% of all Syria's exports to the EU consisted of crude oil and
petroleum products (SEBC, 2008). However, Dr Nabil Sukkar, an economist who heads
the Syrian Consulting Bureau says “our oil reserves are falling” (Fifield, 2008).
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Therefore, since oil as a natural resource might be depleted, the dependence on oil export
does not help to achieve sustainable development and is a major threat to Syrian economy
and national security in the future. Therefore, Syrian government must concentrate on
non-oil products to supplement the national income through diversified sources.
However, there are considerable defects in the productive sector in Syria (Naser et al.,
2006). In addition, there is a low degree of conformity between the specifications of the
majority of Syrian products and international standards and specifications (National
Indicative Programme, 2006). Therefore, most of the Syrian products are stuck within
national boundaries and are not able to pass to the international market and the trade
balance of industrial products is also decreasing losing (Naser et al., 2006; SEBC, 2008).
In addition, Syria witnessed integration into the world economy as evidenced by the Free
Trade Area with the Arab States (Tyara et al., 2004), and also evidence of further
integration with global economy would be the protocols that would make Syria an
associate with EU and a member of WTO respectively, which is at the last stages
presently (National Indicative Programme, 2006). These agreements breaks the
traditional barriers and provides Syrian domestic industries with an opportunity to enter
new international markets in the same way as it provides other countries access to Syrian
domestic markets. Therefore, the Syrian Government will not be in a position to maintain
protectionist policies (import restrictions, tariffs and different types of subsidies) for local
industries (Tyara et al., 2004), Syrian industries and products therefore face the challenge
of sharp international competition (National Indicative Programme, 2006).
In the last decade, the Syrian government has realized the importance of TQM. The
deputy prime minister for Economic affairs in Syrian government Mr. Abdullah Dardari
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mentioned that: Syrian government has begun to realize the significance of quality as a
strategic choice because it leads to enhance the competitiveness of Syrian products in the
international markets and in turn on the competitiveness the Syrian economy (Faraj,
2007; Syria steps, 2007). Therefore, Syrian government encourages all organizations in
public and private sector to get different ISO certificates and to adopt total quality
management (Syrian Scientific Society for Quality, 2008). Therefore, nowadays many
Syrian organizations have adopted different international standards and asses the level of
assurance in their quality systems according to the ISO standards (Draj, 2007). In
addition, some of them are about to adopt TQM. However, in the diploma award stage in
Syria, the researcher has conducted a small research about the readiness for TQM
implementation in terms of existence level of critical TQM successful factors and
practices in (SPMs). Based on the result of this study and the few articles, publications
and views from public and private newspapers and magazines (e.g. Naser et al., 2006;
Tyara et al., 2004), as well as points raised by Youssef and Zairi (1995), the researcher
argues and expects that the majority of Syrian organization are long away from maturity
to adopt and implement TQM practices and they might face difficulties and considerable
problems and therefore fail in TQM adoption because of their current organisational
culture as well as Syrian national culture which contradict and oppose with that required
to support TQM implementation.
The researcher considers that we must describe not only where Syrian organizations
should be in terms of quality practices, but also describe where they are (current quality
practices and cultural profile in their organizations). Therefore, the researcher will study
the existing national and organisational culture to investigate and examine the
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applicability of TQM in Syrian organisations. This will help to develop a suitable
recommendation and framework to help various Syrian organisations to move ahead in
terms of quality practices and overcoming cultural obstacles. This is turn would lead to
achieving successful TQM implementation is Syrian organisations.
To the best of the researcher’s knowledge, this is the first empirical study in the Syrian
context that integrates the TQM, culture (organizational and national) constructs. This
research is an effort to make a contribution to these under researched areas. It is
appropriate, therefore, to study TQM application and transferability in Syria, where the
need is even greater due to a lack of understanding and empirical research on TQM.
4. Research Question
The literature points to many research and case studies that indicate a high rate of failure
among many organisations adopting Total Quality Management (e.g. Mosadeghrad,
2006; Eskildson 1994; Sila and Ebrahimpour, 2002). Many researchers consider that
cultural barrier is one of the main reasons for successful TQM adoption and
implementation. Although few studies have been conducted in the Arab countries, most
of them concluded that TQM adoption has failed and faced many problems and barriers
in these countries (e.g. Youssef and Zairi 1995; Al-Khalifa and Aspinwall 2000; and Al-
Zamany et al. 2002). Some of them found that TQM is constrained by the current
orgnaisational culture in these countries (e.g. Al-Khalifa & Aspinwall, 2001). Therefore,
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it is significant to study cultural factors because it is one of the major factors that can help
to increasing the rate of TQM adoption success.
The research questions of this study arise from the current gap in the literature regarding
the influences of national and organizational culture on TQM adoption success in the
developing countries and Arab regions particularly Syria. This leads the researcher to try
to answer the following main research question:
What influence does national and organisational culture have on the adoption of Total
Quality Management in Syria?
5. Aims and objectives:
The primary aim of this study is answer the above mentioned research question; “to
examine the influence of national and organizational culture on the adoption of TQM in
Syrian Public Manufacturing Organisations (SPMs)”. Then, this will lead to develop a
model and framework which is compatible to cultural settings in Syria, through which
Syrian manufacturing companies could follow through easily to implement and adopt
TQM successfully.
Many objectives have been identified to achieve the aims of this research. These
objectives are: Firstly, to examine the current practices, potential difficulties and barriers
of quality and TQM related activities and as a result, to assess the readiness for TQM
implementation in terms of existence level of critical TQM successful factors and
practices in Syrian Public manufacturing organisations (SPMs). Secondly, to investigate
the relationship between TQM philosophy and culture at both national and organizational
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level in Syria. In addition, to investigate the level of compatibility of the current
characteristics of culture in (SPMs) and that required; ideal, and facilitator for TQM
adoption success. In other words, to assess the readiness for TQM implementation or for
successful transformation of TQM in Syrian's manufacturing organizations in terms of
their existing national and organisational culture. The last objective of this study is to
suggest a framework and recommendation/ guidelines to help Syrian government and
institutions to adopt and implement TQM successfully and therefore to compete in the
local and international marketplace.
6. Contribution of the research
The proposed research will contribute to TQM adoption theory together with
organisational and national culture theory as follows:
First: Research dealing with the influence of national and organizational culture on TQM
adoption in developing and Arab countries has been quite rare (Al-khalifa & Aspinwall,
2001) specifically in Syria which has a unique culture. There is not much research has
been undertaken on TQM in Syria. As far as the researcher is concerned, there are only
few academic research studies for Masters Degree published in Arabic language in some
of the Syrian universities. Other related secondary sources include non- academic
publications and views from public media such as newspaper with no hard data. The
researcher argues that these are filled with personal bias as they lack means of scientific
verification. The current research study is considered the first PhD level research
undertaken to study the influence of national and organizational culture in TQM adoption
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success in Syria. This study would help in filling the gap and will make a contribution to
these under research areas. In addition, it is anticipated that the outcomes of this research
will add to the existing business literature additional empirical findings in the area of
TQM adoption in developing and Arab countries.
Secondly, the researcher considers that this study will contribute to the Syrian
government efforts to achieve economic development and social prosperity. Furthermore,
it contributes to the international efforts to preventing and combating terrorism. This is
because the framework which will be suggested to create an organizational culture that
could function as fertile soil for successful adoption and implementation of TQM
principles. This may ultimately lead to achieve economic development not only in Syria;
but in many other Arabic and Islamic countries which in turn would decrease poverty; the
main reason for terrorism.
Thirdly, many authors consider that the Islamic religion is the most influential factor that
shapes the national culture in Arab countries (e.g. Tayeb, 1997); few authors have fully
acknowledged and showed its role in business and management in the last century.
However, nowadays, there is a growing body of research and academic publications with
interest in the influence of Islam religion on business and management (e.g. Al-Zamaney
et al., 2002; Fam et al, 2004; Abbas, 2005; Haffar, 2007). Therefore, this study
contributes to the body of knowledge in this field which concerns the importance of
Islamic religious principles, values and teachings in business and management
particularly the relationship between Islamic teachings and TQM principles.
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Recently, the increased conflict between the west and Muslim countries make many
international policy makers and Academic researchers to seek information about Muslim
and Arab culture and its influence on all aspect of people’s life and behaviour particularly
in business organizations (Abbas, 2005). Therefore, this study will provide them with a
very good reference about the previous link.
Also, as the translation of TQM practices into Islamic framework is the most important
element in the proposed framework which will be introduced in the end of this study. The
researcher proposes that the latter would help to take the opportunity and the advantage
of the positive aspect of recent re-islamisation in Syrian society which is reflected by
people’s desire to express their religiosity by directing people to implement the particular
Islamic teaching and values which translate and reflect TQM principles in their
workplace. Furthermore, this might help to combat the extremist who might take the
opportunity of the recent re-islamisation negatively by directing and teaching people the
wrong interpretations of Islamic texts which might lead to terror actions at national and
international level.
Moreover, this research will provide a basis to help other researchers to do similar
research in other organisations in Syrian public or private sectors in the future. Lastly, the
researcher has proposed to use of a diverse sample including Syrian academics in
management fields as well as Managers in (SPMs) to improve the validity of this study.
.
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Research Methodology
This research follows a deductive approach, because the researcher would not build and
formulate theory from the data that will be collected rather the researcher would
formulate hypothesis based on literature review and then test them empirically (Mcdannel
et al., 1998).
In order to answer the research questions and to achieve the research aim and objectives
the researcher has proposed to use the following research strategies in phases (see table
1).
Table1. The proposed phases of this research study in order and their objectives
Phase Objectives
Phase 1: Literature review and collect the
relevant secondary data from paper based
and electronic sources
To identify research issues that would be
addressed in the primary research and to
develop the conceptual framework and
hypothesis
Phase 2: Conduct few interviews (5-6) with
management academics from Syrian
university.
To discuss, verify and refine the initial
conceptual framework, that examine the
research question, as well as to discuss and
ensure the validity of the hypothesis that
will test the relationship between variables
Phase 3: Conduct a pilot study The questionnaire survey which will be
developed and proposed will be sent to
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some experts in TQM field to ask about
their opinion on the validity of the content
of the questionnaire and their opinion about
its structure. In addition, an Arabic version
of the proposed questionnaire will be pilot
tested among a group of Syrian mangers
who represent the targeted sample within
the Syrian public manufacturing
organisations as well as with some
academics in relevant disciplines who have
an experience about management in Syria
in an attempt to obtain their views about
the questions which will be asked and the
variable used in the questionnaire,
regarding the Syrian context. Based on the
feedback of this pilot test and reliability
and validity check, the researcher might
make some adjustments, redesign, simplify
in the proposed questionnaire before
distributing the final version to the target
sample.
Phase 4: Distribute the final questionnaires
to the target sample; managers in Syrian
Surveys have been widely used to study the
influence of organisational culture on TQM
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Public Manufacturing organisations
(SPMs)
practices (e.g. Al- Khalifa & Aspinwall,
2001; Prajogo & McDermott, 2005;
Jabnoun & Seadrani, 2005).
Quantitative questionnaire survey will be
used as an explanatory tool not only to
validate the framework empirically
(Saunders et al.,2003), but also to
determine the points that should be further
explained, ascertained, observed and
clarified during in depth interviews in the
second stage of this research
Phase 5: Conduct in depth interviews with
some managers from (SPMs), who
responded to the questioner and accept to
further participate and be interviewed, as
well as some Academics from Aleppo and
Damascus University who have an
experience and have done research about
various management and business issues in
Syria.
To give further explanation and
clarification of some points and confirm
the results of the survey findings; and to
confirm or reject the theoretical findings, as
well as they will decrease the bias and
increase the validity of the findings.
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In addition to the above mentioned the researcher has talked with academic experts in
business and management environment in Syria, and with Islamic scholar when required
during the literature review stage.
As mentioned in the above table, the researcher will collect the primary data by
conducting a methodological triangulation; multi- design empirical method combining
quantitative surveys and qualitative in-depth interviews to test empirically the influence
of organizational and national culture (independent variables) on the adoption of TQM
(dependent variable). This is because triangulation methods provide more viewpoints and
perspective as well as deeper and broader information on the phenomenon being studied
(Cooper & Schindler, 2003; Creswell, 2009; Zikmund, 2003) and to increase the quality,
validity and reliability of the findings and decrease the degree of bias (Bouma, 1996).
The researcher decided to follow quantitative research methods; by conducting a
questionnaire pilot test and then distributing the final surveys to the target sample, and
then follow a qualitative research method by conducting semi-structured interviews.
Research instruments
The researcher will adopt, replicate and use three widely used, valid and reliable
instruments in the questionnaire which fit and serve the aim and objectives of the current
study. Firstly, to measure the current profile and characteristics of the independent
variable of organisational culture, questions from Cameron & Queen’s (1999) model; the
(OCAI) orgnaisational culture assessment instrument will be used. Secondly, to measure
the level of TQM practices, the instrument or framework based on MBNQA criteria
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developed by Samson and Terziovski (1999) will be used. Thirdly, to measure the
independent variable of national culture, Hofstede’s (2001) national culture elements and
some questions; statements from his questionnaire will be adopted.
Therefore, the researcher does not aim to develop new instrument to measure the level of
TQM practices and to measure the national and organizational culture. This is because
the above mentioned instruments (MBNQA criteria framework; criteria, Hofstede’s
dimensions, (OCAI) organisational culture assessment instrument) are useful scientific
tools that have the twin advantages of reliability and predictability, which are capable of
clarifying the concepts under consideration of this research, a position which is backed up
by the view of Fink (2006), that replicating standard questionnaires is very useful because
they have been checked for validity and reliability. Also, he mentioned to another
justification for using a valid established instrument; or questionnaire, that some one else
has prepared, is that it will be easy for future research to compare new findings with
others that have utilized similar instruments (Fink 2006),
Research sample
The target population of this research consists of all Syrian manufacturing public
companies (SPMs) which include 96 companies work under the supervision of ministry
of industry (Ministry of Industry – Syria, 2008).
The researcher tries to increase the response rate with lower cost at the same time;
therefore, a probability or random cluster sampling technique will be adopted to deliver
the questionnaires for many reasons:
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Firstly, telephone interviews require high budget and long time due to the length of the
questionnaire, which lead to higher costs. Also, the researcher has previously conducted a
research in Syria about SPMs in the diploma award stage, the researcher noted that direct
telephone number to the intended interviewees were not available but only general office
number.
Secondly, based on the researcher’s experience and many research studies in Syrian
context, there is a risk of low response rate in the use of the mail and e-mail questionnaire
because most Syrian organisations do not respond to questionnaires an ignored mails as a
result of their fearing of responsibility of their answers and comments if they do not
know the person who sent them and if he does not deliver it personally and clarify the
purpose face to face. Therefore, the researcher has proposed that self- administered
questionnaire, delivered personally is best way to collect the data. However, the whole
population of (SPMs) is distributed in four geographical locations in around ten cities. As
a result, contacting and distributing questionnaires to all population companies in all
areas is difficult due to the time and financial budget limitation of this research.
Therefore, the researcher has divided the organisations which are located in four
geographical areas into two clusters. A questionnaire instrument will be distributed to
cluster sample of around 50 (SPMs) representing more than 50% of the population of 96
(SPMs). The sample size (number of respondents) will be about 200 managers drawn
from (SPMs). The senior management executives and mid level mangers in (SPMs) will
be the key participants in this research.
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In the second stage of the research the qualitative interviews, a non probability; purposive
quota sampling will be adopted. The sample size will be 5 Academics from Aleppo
University, and 5 managers from (SPMs).
Data analysis
In order to analyse the quantitative data, the questioners which will be returned will be
coded and entered into SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social sciences). Then
multiple statistical analysis techniques; which is suited to this research, will be conducted
In order to analyse the qualitative data; issues or themes which will be identified by
interviewees, Content or thematic analysis will be used. This will help to confirm and
explain the results which will be gained from quantitative analysis.
Limitations of this research
There are some shortcomings that will restrict the scope of this research are mentioned as
follows:
Firstly, as culture is the most influential factor on TQM implementation, therefore, this
study focuses on cultural issues and its influence on TQM adoption success or fail.
However, in order to achieve TQM success the focus should not only relate to cultural
issues, but also many other factors should be covered and considered and implemented
(Awan et al., 2007; Arumugam et al., 2009). However, studying and assessing the current
position of Syrian organistational culture would help to determine the gap between the
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current organizational culture profile and characteristics in Syria and that required for
TQM culture and therefore determine the changes needed to build and support total
quality culture; approach in Syrian organisations.
Secondly, this research focuses on the manufacturing organizations in the public sector
(SPMs). The researcher would not be able to extend it to cover larger sample and all kind
of organisations due to the limitation in time and resources. This would affect the result
of this research. However, the researcher hopes that this study will open new avenues for
future research to include different types of organizations and sampling frame. Thus, he
hopes that many other researchers in Syria would take this study as a basis and replicate it
with other manufacturing companies in both public and private sectors and with different
service institutions in the public and national sectors such as education, tourism, health,
and banking sectors…
Thirdly, the sample size of this study is limited to about 50 (SPMs) in manufacturing
sector. However, the researcher considers that this size is relatively suitable because it
includes approximately about half of the total size; population of (SPMs) which is about
100.
In addition, this research concentrates only on one of the Arab countries namely Syria
which is a part of the Arab League. The findings of this study and the proposed
framework could be implemented to some Arab and Islamic countries that have similar
cultural background such as Egypt where the dominant workforces are local people.
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However, it may be hard to be implemented in most of the other Arab countries because
the workforce in these countries is mix of many nationalities. Therefore, further studies
should be conducted to compare the findings in other countries where there is a mix
nationality in their management and workforce with this study which is totally about
Syrian and Arab managers and workers.
Moreover, although there is cultural consideration, the researcher decides to use, replicate
and adopt western developed instruments. However, this is the only choice because there
is no Syrian; native or Arab- developed instrument available and the study does not aim
to validate or develop new national culture, organisational culture, and TQM constructs
Conclusion:
The researcher has conducted a literature review on the influence of national and
organisational culture on the adoption of TQM. The purpose of this paper was to
introduce a specific research question based on the literature review, and thus develop the
main aim and objectives of this research. In addition, this paper has presented the
contribution of this research. Furthermore, it has presented the proposed future research
strategies direction which will help to answer the research question and to achieve the
research aim and objectives.
Note: this research is at the level of revising the relevant literature review. The next step
is to develop an initial conceptual framework and hypothesis of this study based on the
literature review.
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