The Compatibility of "Command and Control" with TQM methods
The traditional American management style of "command and control" can be compatible with total quality control methods.
One of the difficulties with employing management methodologies is defining the relative differences between styles, especially in an age where customer driven total quality management seems to be leading the charge. The use of "command and control" leadership in business management is useful only to a degree, being in many cases a reaction to situations that have already occurred. Traditional management too often relies on mechanistic planning and organizing, pushing products and people. "Command and control" is useful in that it proceeds from a positive leadership point of view. However, it is not truly leadership that transpires, it is charismatic spin control (Evans & Lindsay, 1996, 193).
The use of total quality management as a business methodology can act as a centering force for management. "Command and control" can proceed from TQM, but not the other way around. Total quality management is a structured system for satisfying internal and external customers and suppliers by integrating the business environment, continuous improvement, breakthroughs with development, improvement, and maintenance cycles while changing organizational culture (Integrated quality dynamics, 1997). The use of TQM does imply a change in culture.
TQM is a process of implementing a quantum change in product development and production. TQM requires a focus on throughput. It relies heavily on statistical process control, emphasizing attention to detail, generation of data, and implementation of measurement systems. TQM creates a unified culture, especially with regard to desired work habits among production workers. The compatibility of these elements with a production process already redesigned for flexibility and control leads to an effective bottom-up p...