Factors influencing implementation of total quality management in construction companies in Kenya: A case of Nakuru County

Abstract

The construction industry is one of the most important industries for the development of infrastructure and economy of a Nation. It is therefore important that adequate measures are put in place to ensure quality in the sector. Total Quality Management (TQM) is considered as one of the most important approaches to achieve quality in construction Industry not only in Kenya but the world over. This study sought to determine the factors influencing implementation of TQM in construction companies in Kenya. Nakuru County was used as a case for the study. 15 construction companies were involved in this study. The literature for this study was reviewed based on the following factors; Top management commitment, Employees’ training, organization culture and communication. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study used simple random sampling to determine the construction companies where data was collected while stratified random sampling was used to determine the sample size. Primary data for the study was collected using structured questionnaires that were administered to the respondents in the sampled organizations. A pilot test was conducted at Gibralter Property Developers in Kisumu to check on validity and reliability. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS program (Version 17). The findings of this study revealed that Top Management Commitment is a critical factor in implementation of TQM and that Top Management Commitment positively influences implementation of TQM. The study also established that Organizational Culture is a critical factor in implementation of TQM and that appropriate organizational culture positively influences implementation of TQM. The study revealed that Employee Training positively influences implementation of TQM. In addition, the study concluded that Communication is an important factor with positive influence in implementation of TQM. The study thus recommends that top managements commit themselves in providing leadership and key resources needed in quality management. Secondly, the study recommends that organizations train their employees on quality management initiatives. It is also recommended that these trainings are conducted frequently and at all levels in the organization. Thirdly, the study recommends that organizations develop group, hierarchical, developmental and rational culture so as to enhance total quality management. Lastly, the study recommends that quality managers and management develop appropriate, effective and flexible communication systems that allow free flow of quality information at all levels in the organization. The study suggested that: further studies may be done to explore other factors other than top management commitment, employee training, organizational culture and communication and their effects on TQM, further studies may be done to relate these factors to other variables like organizational performance and customer satisfaction, further studies may also be done on other quality management initiatives such as ISO standards and statistical quality control. In addition, similar studies may be done in other sectors, especially in the public sector.