Definition of Total Quality

Definition of Total Quality
It is defined as an organization-wide approach towards quality which results in performance leadership in meeting customer's requirements by doing the 'right thing right the first time and every time'. The phrase 'Performance Leadership' implies that the organization has to be the best of its kind when compared with its competitors worldwide.
So what exactly is TQM?
TQM is relatively a new approach to the business of management. It seeks to improve product and service quality and increase customer satisfaction by restructuring traditional management practices. The application of TQM is unique to each organization that adopts such an approach. Common attributes which are vital for the implementation of TQM are customer focus, strategic planning, effective leadership, continuous improvement, fact based management, team work and involvement of all.
In TQM environment, company recognizes that the word 'Quality' includes 'quality management' as much as it means 'improving the management of quality'. In fact, taking steps for improving the Quality of management in the organization should take place before improving any thing else.
Need for Total Quality Management:
Rising customer expectations
Increasing competitive process and competitive position of organization
Internal pressure for improvement
How to do value addition in existing methods
To get the best from the people
Changing perceptions of vendors and customers
Perceptions of managers and work force
Organizational priorities for improvement
To survive.