Which of the following is NOT an element of TQM?

The correct answer is that "Increased Competition" is not an element of Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM is a management approach that seeks to improve quality and performance to meet or exceed customer expectations. The core principles of TQM are focused on enhancing the processes within an organization to achieve higher quality outcomes.

In TQM, the focus on customer emphasizes understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of customers at all levels. This customer-centric approach ensures that all efforts within the organization are aligned to provide value to the customer.

Employee empowerment is another fundamental aspect of TQM. It involves giving employees the authority, resources, and training to take ownership of their work processes and contribute to quality improvement. Empowered employees are more likely to engage in problem-solving and innovation.

Teamwork is also essential in TQM, as collaboration across departments is crucial for identifying quality issues and implementing effective solutions. Team-based approaches foster communication and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Increased competition, while a factor that organizations may face externally, is not a core element of TQM itself. Instead, TQM provides tools and techniques to help an organization respond to competition by improving its internal processes and enhancing overall quality. The essence of TQM lies in its internal focus on quality