The complementary of TQM on technology management strategy: A multinational perspective from the ASEAN automotive industry

This paper examines the complementary of total quality management (TQM) practices on technology management strategy and its impact on quality and innovation performance. Survey questionnaires were administered to automotive parts/components manufacturers in five Associations of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam. The proposed conceptual model was empirically tested using 115 data at plant level. The results of structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicate that customer focus had a positive effect on technology management strategy leading to enhance product quality, product innovation and process innovation respectively. Our findings suggest that the operational excellence facilitators especially in the automotive industry should recognize and develop the major role of customer focus to improve their technology management and innovation. This paper also concludes by drawing new avenues for future research.