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This article examines a co-operative union-management approach towards Total Quality Management (TQM) by recourse to a case study from the auto components manufacturing sector. Its purpose is twofold; first, it suggests that in contrast to much critical thinking, under certain conditions TQM need not undermine trade unions. Indeed, it is argued that a more moderate trade union stance towards TQM, in some circumstances, may prove to be a more effective form of resistance than a militant one. Second, the article provides insights into the ways in which TQM reinforces existing power relations, hierarchical structures, organisational bureaucracy and inequality, rather than transforming them as TQM pundits contend. The argument, however, is not that TQM simply enhances management control in a unilinear fashion. This is because it not only poses dangers for trade unions, but also presents management with dilemmas and contradictions. TQM is understood, therefore, to be part of the continuing and complex effort by management to balance control and consent within employment, the dynamics, and outcomes of which, are uncertain and need to be empirically examined.

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This journal presents the latest research and comments on all aspects of IT in the workplace. It provides the essential background information required to support corporate strategy. Articles are published by experts on the consequences of, and reactions to, the introduction of new technology, monitoring and reporting on its effects on the process, organisation and control of work as well as its effects on jobs and society.

This article explores management’s strategic decision making in relation to total quality management (TQM). It demonstrates that management’s strategies are fraught with politics and power relations, which may influence the ‘choice’ of strategy and the way in which such strategies are implemented. Thus strategic decision making may not be planned and rational and behaviour is often contradictory which undermines TQM or renders its outcomes uncertain and contestable. Show less