The Influence of Soft and Hard TQM Factors on Knowledge Management : Perspective from Malaysia

The management of knowledge in businesses is an important and necessary factor for organizational survival in today’s uncertain environment. Organizations need a total quality management approach that views knowledge as a potential source for competitive advantage. This study examines the influence of soft and hard total quality management factors on knowledge management processes. Survey questionnaires were distributed to managers of government-linked companies. Regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses in the study. Analyses show that soft total quality management factors contribute more to knowledge management processes in order to enhance organizational performance. Report shows that these government-linked companies need to focus more on their human capital development since this factor is vital to generate and refresh organizational knowledge and to obtain competitive advantage.

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