The Relationship between Total Quality Management and Knowledge Management from the View of Faculty Members in University of Isfahan and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences

Human skills, knowledge and efficiency are important factors in the success of organizations and community health centers which have a critical role in total quality management (TQM) as a management system. Knowledge is necessary as a source for the organizations survival. On the other hand, in order for implementation of knowledge management, there is a need for a relatively long period, providing intellectual and cultural contexts, educational skills and knowledge and technological centers. This study aimed to determine the relationship between TQM and knowledge management from the perspective of faculty members of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.

This was a descriptive-correlational study. The study subjects included the total of faculty members of University of Isfahan (491 people) and Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (594) during academic years 2009-2010 who were selected through proportionate stratified random sampling (300). Data collection tools included a Baldrige questionnaire based on the TQM model and knowledge management components based on Pastor standard questionnaire. The content and face validity of questionnaires were confirmed and reliability through Cronbach's alpha coefficient were obtained as 0.87 and 0.91, respectively.

Mean of all the TQM criteria were higher than average in University of Isfahan except leadership, strategic planning and human resource management. It was the same in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences except criteria like focusing on customer, information analysis, strategic planning and process management. All the components of knowledge management were more than average level in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, and except refining the knowledge in University of Isfahan. Correlation coefficient between scores of TQM and knowledge management components was significant (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, multiple regression showed that the correlation between TQM and knowledge management was statistically significant.

TQM criteria can be effective in line with appropriate functioning of knowledge management and its impact on organizational performance can also increase the efficiency of the organization.