Identify Obstacles in Implementing Total Quality Management Framework in the Ghanaian Construction Sector using Exploring Factors Analysis Technique

Abstract

The concept of total quality management improves an organization’s performance, but there are several obstacles to its practical application. This study therefore identifies the obstacles to implementing the Total Quality Management (TQM) framework in the Ghanaian construction sector. A survey questionnaire was employed for the study, and the results were based on responses from 536 of 641 questionnaires sent out to the top management in the Ghanaian construction sector. The sample frame for the study was determined from the population made up of one thousand two hundred and eighty-two (1282) small to large-sized (D4K4 to D1K1) good-standing construction firms registered with the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana (ABCECG). The data was analysed using the Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) technique. Cronbach's alpha was used to measure the reliability of the study instrument. While the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin and Bartlett's tests of sphericity were employed to assess sampling adequacy and significance. The study identified sixteen obstacles in implementing TQM framework in the Ghanaian construction sector. The five most significant potential obstacles among the sixteen identified obstacles in the ranking were: lack of understanding of TQM; lack of enforcement by the agencies responsible for regulating the application of TQM; inadequate TQM systems; lack of enthusiasm for TQM implementation; and lack of a TQM policy. All sixteen items (obstacles) identified were found to have a high impact on TQM implementation in the Ghanaian construction sector. Hence, understanding these identified obstacles to TQM implementation will enable construction managers to develop more effective strategies for improving TQM implementation in the Ghanaian construction sector. The study contributes to existing literature by using exploratory factor analysis techniques to identify obstacles to total quality management implementation in the Ghanaian construction sector.