Title: Integrating TQM and HRM to achieve a higher knowledge sharing in Malaysian service firms: an SEM approach

Authors: Keng-Boon Ooi; Veeri Arumugam; Voon-Hsien Lee; Janet Lew-Sian Wooi

Addresses: Chancellery Division, Linton University College, Persiaran UTL, BUTL, Batu 12, 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. ' Faculty of Management, Multimedia University, Jalan Multimedia, 63100 Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia. ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia. ' Rectorate, Linton University College, Persiaran UTL, BUTL, Batu 12, 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract: The research paper empirically examines the influence of the six total quality management/human resource management (TQM/HRM) practices on employees' knowledge sharing behaviour, with the Malaysian service organisations being the main focus. One hundred and five data was collected from the managers working in the Malaysian service firms and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was used to analyse the data gathered. From the results generated, it was concluded that the selected TQM/HRM practices was partially correlated with the knowledge sharing behaviour, with leadership being the most dominant factor. In terms of originality, this study has contributed in the advancement and enhancement of the TQM/HRM literature with a more comprehensive comprehension of the multidimensionality of TQM practices and its relationship with knowledge sharing that would assist more quality management research in developing nations.

Keywords: total quality management; TQM; human resource management; HRM; knowledge sharing; service organisation; Malaysia; structural equation modelling; leadership; developing countries; services.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSEM.2012.048618

International Journal of Services, Economics and Management, 2012 Vol.4 No.3, pp.186 - 208

Received: 12 Apr 2012
Accepted: 30 Apr 2012
Published online: 15 Nov 2014 *

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