Total Quality Management and Critical Theory

Total Quality Management and TQM

Critical Studies scholars such as Apel (1977) saw the characteristic core of the philosophy of science as the alternative of modern theory of science. This does not mean that he did not think one should deny unified science; rather it is the neopositive concept of logic of unified science (Apel, 1977). De Cock (1998) said today it seems appropriate to dismiss TQM and BPR, but that this would be a mistake and that the time is now to redefine and recontextualize their meanings so that problems that are seen as hampering TQM and BPR might be dispelled (De Cock, 1998).

De Cock (1998) argued further that TQM and BPR has been used to describe many different practices and have also been used in bits and pieces so that it can be said that the company is using such programs. This makes it look like TQM and BPR are just fads and have no serious value to management practices. The current literature has been blind to the issues of organizational power (De Cock, 1998). Furthermore, "There are many practical realizations of TQM and BPR and that there exists where only a loose link between the basic concepts and the way these are enacted in organizations" (De Cock, 1998, p. 147). De Cock (1998) says that we should look at the constructs of TQM and BPR as, "discourses emergent from power-knowledge relations, collectively sustained and continually renegotiated in the process of making sense" (p. 147).
 

According to Lawrence and Phillips (1998), critical organization theory skepticism differs from the postmodernism critique. "Critical theory focuses on analysis and reform intended to restructure the social foundations of organizations in an emancipatory manner" (Lawrence & Phillips, 1998, p. 157).

The second stream is inspired by Habermas and his notion of communicative action (Lawrence & Philips, 1998). In this second stream, patterns of communication are analyzed and ideal speech situations are important. Characteristics such as accuracy and honesty provide a pathway for " Rational, reflective, and moral decision making" (as cited in Lawrence & Phillips, 1998).

Critical scholars see ideal speech situations as the potential for individual and social transformation, however, the limitation would be in people’s disbelief or refusal to engage in ideal speech communication or critical self-reflection. According to Freud (1900) when people have a weltanschauung, "One feels secure in life, one knows what one ought to strive after, and how one ought to organize one's emotions and interests to the best purpose" (p. 122). In this case, organizations succeed, guided with a philosophy of life, and tools to manage that philosophy within the organization.

References

DeCock, C. (1998). It seems to fill my head with ideas: A few thoughts on postmodernism, TQM and BPR. Journal of Management Inquiry, 7(2), 144.

Lawrence, T. B. & Phillips, N. (1998). Commentary: Separating play and critique. Journal of Management Inquiry, 7(2), 154.

Habermas, J. (1981). The tasks of a critical theory.  In Delanty, G. & Strydom, P. (Ed.). Philosophies of social science. The classic and contemporary readings. (pp. 240-245). Philadelphia, PA: McGraw-Hill.

Apel, K. (1977). Types of social science in light of human cognitive interests. In Delanty, G. & Strydom, P. (Ed.). Philosophies of social science. The classic and contemporary readings. (pp. 246-258). Philadelphia, PA: McGraw-Hill.