31. A company is adopting total-quality management (TQM). Which practice supports this goal?
Answer: A
Enhance collaboration among departments
Enhancing collaboration among departments is a key practice that supports the goal of total-quality management (TQM). This approach fosters communication and teamwork, which are essential for improving processes, quality, and overall organizational performance.
A) Enhance collaboration among departments
This option is correct as TQM emphasizes the importance of collaboration across various departments to achieve quality improvement. By breaking down silos, departments can work together more effectively, share knowledge, and implement best practices that contribute to overall quality enhancement.
B) Prioritise practices for long-term savings
While prioritizing long-term savings can be beneficial for a company, it does not directly support the TQM goal of quality improvement. TQM focuses more on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction rather than solely on financial savings, making this option less relevant.
C) Enhance worker-safety measures
Enhancing worker-safety measures is important for employee well-being, but it is not a direct practice that supports TQM. TQM primarily aims at improving quality and processes rather than focusing specifically on safety, although a safe work environment can contribute to overall productivity and quality.
D) Use standard accounting practices.
Using standard accounting practices is essential for financial management, but it does not align with the core principles of TQM. TQM is centered around quality management and customer satisfaction, rather than the financial procedures of the organization, making this option incorrect in the context of TQM practices.
Conclusion
The correct answer, enhancing collaboration among departments, is essential for achieving the goals of total-quality management as it promotes synergy and shared responsibility for quality improvement. Other options, while important in their own right, do not directly address the collaborative and integrative nature of TQM, thereby failing to fully support its comprehensive approach to quality.