The effect of cultural factors on the success of total quality management: An analysis based on Turkish and Japanese proverbs

Total Quality Management is based on basic principles such as continuous improvement, customer focus, employee participation and leadership. When the corporate cultures between Turkish and Japanese businesses are compared, some features that are compatible with the basic principles of the quality management approach stand out in both cultures. While Japanese businesses emphasize continuous improvement (Kaizen) and employee participation; Leadership and customer focus are becoming more evident in Turkish businesses. This research examines the role of cultural factors in the success of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and compares Turkish and Japanese cultures through proverbs in this context. This research, conducted using the literature review and document review technique, provides information about how TQM is affected by cultural diversity and how this interaction emerges. While values such as endurance, determination and courage are emphasized in Turkish corporate culture, discipline, loyalty and finesse are at the forefront in Japanese corporate culture. In the analysis of Turkish and Japanese proverbs, it is seen that both TQM principles have similar themes. While Turkish proverbs generally emphasize courage, struggle and solidarity, Japanese proverbs highlight discipline, cooperation and loyalty. As a result, it shows that cultural differences have a significant impact on TQM practices. This study compares the approaches of Turkish and Japanese cultures to TQM and offers a framework to operate in TQM practices with cultural characteristics. In the future, it can further deepen the impact of other cultures on TQM and provide information on how cultural differences affect the success of TQM practices. There is a less developed culture of quality management in Turkey. Although Japanese and Turkish corporate cultures are different, both cultures are important for the success of businesses. It has been determined that businesses managing their employees in accordance with their own culture and providing solutions that suit their needs will increase both employee satisfaction and business success.