Title: Organisational learning as a mediating factor of TQM practices and technological innovation: an empirical analysis of Malaysia's manufacturing firms

Authors: Voon-Hsien Lee; Chee-Keong Choong; Kee-Luen Wong; Keng-Boon Ooi

Addresses: Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business and Finance, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, 31900 Kampar, Perak, Malaysia ' Faculty of Business, Management and Accountancy, Linton University College, Persiaran UTL, Bandar Universiti Teknologi Legenda, Batu 12, 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Abstract: The relationships between six total quality management (TQM) practices, organisational learning (OL) and technological innovation (TI) are examined, with OL being the mediating factor. 258 survey data were gathered from the Malaysian manufacturing firms. Multiple linear regression was used to test the relationships between the three constructs. Findings showed that strategic planning, customer focus, human resource management, process management, and information and analysis will lead to higher OL; while strategic planning, customer focus and human resource management induces a higher TI. OL fully mediates for the following relationships: process management, and information and analysis with TI. The proposed conceptual model serves as a diagnostic instrument for the top management to handle the company's OL and TI by leveraging on the present TQM dimensions. The inclusion of OL as a mediating variable is an essential aspect that prior studies have yet to consider, hence filling the literature gap of TQM.

Keywords: total quality management; TQM dimensions; organisational learning; technological innovation; manufacturing industry; Malaysia; strategic planning; customer focus; human resource management; HRM; process management; information; analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2015.070865

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2015 Vol.18 No.2, pp.222 - 249

Received: 14 Sep 2013
Accepted: 01 Nov 2013
Published online: 31 Jul 2015 *

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