LEADERSHIP COMMITMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF QMS IN CONCRETE PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN KENYA
Kennedy Chomba Maina - Post Graduate Student, Management University of Africa, Kenya
Prof. Emmanuel Awuor - Associate Professor of Leadership and Management Sciences, Management University of Africa, Kenya
ABSTRACT
Background: The implementation of quality management systems is a strategic intent of any organization. A strong culture of quality is one in which a QMS that integrates people, processes, and tools helps the organization to achieve innovation and success. When leadership supports a QMS that helps employees to thrive, opens lines of communication, and incorporates data-driven decision-making, organizations in many industries will be able to overcome their unique challenges and provide greater customer outcomes and satisfaction. Study Objective: The objective of this study was to relationship between leadership commitment and performance of QMS in concrete products manufacturing companies in Kenya. The study was anchored on Deming’s theory of quality management. Methodology: The study used descriptive research design. Stratified random sampling technique was used to obtain data from the respondents. The researcher used structured questionnaires to collect data. The project covered a population of 415 top and middle level managers. Stratified random sampling method was used where 126 respondents representing 30% of the entire target population formed the sample size of the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. The findings were presented using graphs, pie charts and table diagrams respectively. Findings: The results of the study indicated that there exists a strong relationship between leadership commitment and performance of quality management systems. Leadership should be committed in planning, appointing relevant authorities and responsibilities for maintain the QMS, determining the context of the organization, monitoring and measurement of the performance of QMS, internal audits, management review and ensuring the accountability of the results of the QMS. Conclusion and Recommendation: The researcher concluded that there exists a relationship between leadership commitment and performance of the QMS. Top management must thus retain responsibility for the performance of the QMS. Leadership has to be involved in determining the context of the organization, establishing the quality policy, planning, setting the quality objectives, provide resources required, appointing and supporting persons the competent persons among other roles.
