Sectoral Perspectives on Quality Management: Empirical Insights from 2008 to 2015

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to provide a comprehensive empirical review of Quality Management (QM) research conducted between 2008 and 2015, with a focus on sectoral variations across manufacturing, services, and healthcare. It seeks to understand how different QM frameworks influence organizational performance and the contextual factors shaping their effectiveness. Methodology: The review synthesizes findings from thirty peer-reviewed empirical and conceptual studies published during the period, adopting a comparative sectoral approach. The analysis integrates quantitative and qualitative evidence, examining the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM), ISO 9001 standards, Lean Six Sigma, and Continuous Improvement models. Findings: Results indicate that QM practices demonstrate strong performance linkages in manufacturing sectors, moderate but consistent improvements in services, and mixed results in healthcare depending on leadership commitment, culture, and organizational readiness. The studies reveal substantial methodological diversity, including survey-based research, longitudinal case studies, and structural modelling approaches. Implications: The synthesis highlights the need for context-sensitive QM strategies, sector-specific adaptations, and stronger alignment between managerial practices and quality culture. Originality: By adopting a cross-sector lens, this review contributes novel insights into how institutional contexts and implementation dynamics mediate QM effectiveness across industries.