title: Spreading the "good news" of total quality management: faith, conversion, and commitment.
abstract: In many ways the spread of total quality management (TQM) across this country can be compared to a religious conversion. Both cases are characterized by a philosophical shift with far-reaching changes in responsibilities and incentives for the people involved. This article bridges the disciplines of theology and health services management by elaborating a metaphor in which TQM is compared to various aspects of the Judeo-Christian faiths, such as the role of laws and standards; the importance of miracles, prophets, and evangelists; and the practical applications of living out the faith.
authors.affiliation: University of Missouri at Columbia.
authors.forename: S T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Bopp
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D002835:Christianity; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D007599:Judaism; D009042:Motivation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States