TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) PRACTICES AND PERFORMANCE OF A BREWERY FIRM IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and organizational performance in a Nigerian brewery firm located in Port Harcourt. Specifically, it examined the relationship between leadership commitment and organizational productivity, employee involvement and engagement, and continuous improvement and innovation performance. A descriptive survey design was employed, with structured questionnaires administered to a stratified random sample of 216 employees drawn from a staff population of 470. Out of these, 200 valid responses were obtained, representing a 92.6% response rate. Instrument validity was ensured through expert review, and reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s Alpha coefficients above 0.70. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC) at a 0.05 significance level. Findings revealed significant positive relationships between leadership commitment and productivity (r = 0.624, p < 0.05), employee involvement and engagement (r = 0.591, p < 0.05), and continuous improvement and innovation performance (r = 0.608, p < 0.05). The study concludes that TQM practices positively influence organizational performance by fostering productivity, employee engagement, and innovation. It recommends strengthening leadership commitment, encouraging participative employee involvement, and institutionalizing continuous improvement through training and modern technological adoption to sustain competitiveness and long-term growth.