An Analysis of the Relationship Between TQM and Learning Organization Development: The Synergic Effect of Social and Technical QM in Tunisian SMEs

Based on STS theory, the present study aims to examine the effect of social and technical quality management practices on learning organization development in SMEs. A questionnaire survey was conducted on Tunsian-certified SMEs. Quantitative data was gathered from 78 Tunisian SMEs. Collected data were analyzed using a structural equation model. The results indicate that the dimensions of QM practices separately do not have a significant relationship with learning organization. However, when integrated together to constitute a sociotechnical QM system, it shows a significant and positive link with a learning organization. The findings help practitioners to understand how TQM practices contribute to developing learning organization and focus on two dimensions simultaneously in order to ensure continuous learning. Although the amount of literature on total quality management and learning organization, there is a lack of empirical investigation regarding the relationship between social and technical quality practices and the development of learning organization in SMEs. This study seeks to bridge this gap and provide new data about this relation in SMEs operating in the Tunisian context.