Linking TQM, BPR, and Empowerment: A Field Study

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between worker empowerment, business process reengineering, and total quality management in organizations. Past research has hinted at the potential of these approaches to increase productivity and quality while reducing wasteful practices. However, we found no research in IS journals depicting trinary relationships linking the these three constructs. Therefore, we begin to develop three propositions from the existing literature. The propositions depict binary relationships between the three constructs. To initially assess the relationships, we interviewed three organizations. Analysis of the data allowed us to classify each organization against various factors related to each construct. The classification table provides a fundamental analysis of trinary relationships between the three constructs. The classification table provides a fundamental analysis of trinary relationships between the three constructs. We intend to extend the study by developing a questionnaire for national mailing. Eventually, we hope to develop a theoretical model and a detailed set of guidelines for organizations attempting to effectively change management.