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The basic steps in managing a transition to a new system such as TQM:

Ø  Identifying tasks to be done,

Ø  Creating necessary management structures,

Ø  Developing strategies for building commitment,

Ø  Designing mechanisms to communicate the change,

Ø  Assigning resources.

Task identification would include a study of present conditions (assessing current reality, as described above); assessing readiness, such as through a force field analysis; creating a model of the desired state, in this case, implementation of TQM;

Responsibility of top management

Ø  Announcing the change goals to the organization;

Ø  Assigning responsibilities and resources. This would include securing outside consultation and training

Ø  Assigning someone within the organization to oversee the effort.

Ø  Designing transition management structures

Ø  Developing commitment strategies.

The management must be heavily involved as leaders rather than relying on a separate staff person or function to shepherd the effort. An organization wide steering committee to oversee the effort may be appropriate.

To communicate the change, mechanisms beyond existing processes will need to be developed. Special all-staff meetings attended by executives, sometimes designed as input or dialog sessions, may be used to kick off the process, and TQM newsletters may be an effective ongoing communication tool to keep employees aware of activities and accomplishments.

Management of resources for the change effort is important with TQM because outside consultants will almost always be required. Choose consultants based on their prior relevant experience and their commitment to adapting the process to fit unique organizational needs. While consultants will be invaluable with initial training of staff and TQM system design, employees (management and others) should be actively involved in TQM implementation, perhaps after receiving training in change management which they can then pass on to other employees. A collaborative relationship with consultants and clear role definitions and specification of activities must be established.