Application of total quality management principles in the furniture industry and its effects: Eastern Black Sea example

Total Quality Management (TQM) is the process of meeting business, human, product, or service quality requirements within specific systems and with the contributions of all employees to fulfill customer needs. The purpose of Total Quality Management is to support businesses in delivering higher-quality products and services to their customers. Businesses that implement TQM practices actively and correctly are said to gain advantages in several areas, including customer relations, quality management, internal business dynamics, and operational performance. The aim of this study is to examine the implementation and effects of Total Quality Management principles in the furniture sector in the Eastern Black Sea region. The study found that participants' TQM scores ranged between 3.61±0.28. TQM practices were higher among women, participants aged 29 and below, those with primary education levels, sales/marketing specialists, businesses with 251 or more employees, companies producing in high quantities with low variety, and businesses operating for 7-9 years. No significant differences were observed based on income levels.