The Relationship Between Managers' Concept of Innovation and Total Quality Management Practices and Product Innovation in the Context of Market Competition

Abstract

Purpose - The aim of this study is to identify the relationships that affect product quality and innovation in Total Quality Management (TQM) practices selected with the innovation understanding of managers within the scope of market competition and to reveal their differences. Design/methodology/approach – - In order to examine the innovation quality status of enterprises in the furniture sector in the context of TQM, a model based on the literature was developed for middle level managers in the provinces where the furniture sector is developed and data was obtained using the survey technique. A total of 336 surveys were conducted for businesses selected by simple random method, and the obtained data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical package program. Findings – As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the impact of managers' innovation perception on technology management/R&D and product quality and innovation was more significant compared to comparison, customer focus, and strategic planning variables. Discussion - Based on these results, it is recommended that medium-sized SMEs operating in the furniture sector invest in technology management/R&D to compete in the market and that middle-level furniture managers will not experience any difficulties in innovation