Assessment of Organization Readiness for TQM Implementation

Since about four years ago, total quality management (TQM) has been informally introduced into our integrated healthcare and medical education system. With the aim of getting feedback/ learning from the experiences of the universities/schools of medical sciences in setting the ground for TQM implementation, an assessment was done. The survey results show that out of 31 universities/ schools of medical sciences, 15(48%) had 50 to 59% readiness, 8 (26%) 60 to 70%, and the remaining 8 (26%) more than 70% readiness. Another finding was that, there was a discrepancy between top management teams, understanding of TQM and their actual actions in taking steps regarding its implementation. In conclusion, although the universities/ schools of medical sciences are taking steps toward setting the stage for TQM implementation, each one with its own pace, but the top management team must take more active role than the past in preparation for and implementation of TQM.