Which of the following is not a benefit of Total Quality Management?

The identification of higher product defects as not a benefit of Total Quality Management (TQM) is accurate. TQM is fundamentally aimed at enhancing quality across all processes within an organization, which inherently aims to reduce defects and improve customer satisfaction. One of the core principles of TQM is continuous improvement, which involves systematically reducing errors and defects, streamlining processes, and ensuring that products or services meet or exceed quality standards.

In this context, while the other options represent various benefits associated with the implementation of TQM practices—such as meeting legal obligations, improving motivation among employees, and lowering costs through increased efficiency—the notion of higher product defects directly contradicts the objectives and outcomes that TQM strives to achieve. Therefore, recognizing increased defects as not a benefit aligns perfectly with the overall goals of TQM in promoting quality and excellence within an organization's output.