What is the primary goal of total quality management?

The primary goal of total quality management (TQM) is to ensure customer satisfaction through a focus on quality. TQM is a comprehensive approach that seeks to improve organizational performance by fostering a culture that prioritizes quality in all aspects of operations, from product design to customer service. This philosophy emphasizes continuous improvement, where employee involvement is crucial in identifying areas for enhancement. By focusing on quality, TQM aims to fulfill and exceed customer expectations, ultimately leading to higher customer loyalty and competitive advantage.

While other options may relate to important aspects of business strategy, they are not the central tenet of TQM. Creating new products and services is valuable, but TQM's emphasis is more on enhancing the quality of existing offerings. Minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency can be consequences of quality improvements, but these are secondary to the goal of achieving customer satisfaction. Training employees in soft skills contributes to customer service and teamwork, but again, it falls under the broader umbrella of improving quality rather than being the primary focus of TQM.