C/HR/54. Human Resource Management (HRM), Total Quality Management (TQM) and the strategy process: Does TQM allow HRM to play a more strategic role in the firm?

This paper examines the strategic relationship between HRM, TQM and the strategy process at the corporate, business and functional levels. It asks the question: Does TQM allow HRM to play a more strategic role in the firm? In addressing this question, the paper examines the two principal models of strategic HRM (SHRM), the matching and resource-based models, which are based on the Porterian and resource-based view of strategy respectively. The paper proceeds by examining the nature of TQM, what it is and what role it has in influencing the HR function within the firm, including its impact on work organisation, planning and staffing, performance appraisal and remuneration, and training and development policies and practices. It argues that TQM does provide HRM with the opportunity to play a more strategic role in the firm, although this is determined by the strategic choices that a firm makes. The paper would be useful for anyone interested in SHRM, TQM and the relationship between these two important aspects of management.