This paper looks at the possible effects of leadership style on Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation. Since successful TQM implementation is partly depended on the leadership style (s) of top management (Milakovich 1993) it is imperative to understand how leadership style affects the success of TQM implementation. Managers need to know what leadership style(s) are suitable to lead the employees and the company from the initial stage of TQM implementation to the final stage of delegation. This research attempts to determine if different leadership styles are applicable at different levels (stages) of TQM implementation. For example, is it appropriate for companies in Level I, II, III, and IV of TQM to have a directing, coaching, participating, and delegating leader, respectively? Is one leadership style appropriate throughout the different stages of TQM implementation or should managers change styles as the situation (stages) change?
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