Total Quality Management Practices and Performance of Commercial Banks in Kilifi Town, Kenya

Abstract

Any business entity aims at attaining high level of customer satisfaction. The entity always does this by providing quality goods and services. It is crucial that within a firm, all of its internal clients are fulfilled in ensuring that effective satisfaction of external clients is attained. TQM has been presently presented as the means of management that focus in improving an organization’s financial performance by attaining customer needs and quality of product provision. The research primary focused on examining the key impacts of TQM on management and financial performance of Kenya’s banks in Kilifi Town. The study’s objectives were based on establishing the impact of staff involvement, the management commitment, regular improvements and customer focus of the bank’s performance. The entire research was based on Deming’s theory of TQM and Porter’s theory of competitive advantage. In attaining the research objectives, the research utilized descriptive research technique and a population of 195 participants from 13 commercial banks in operation within the Town of Kilifi. A 30 percent sample was considered reflections of 59 participants. In getting information from the respondents the study utilized both structures and unstructured questionnaires that consisted of both open and closed ended questions. However, respondents had varying questions and had the opportunity to answer appropriately. SPSS (Version 22) stands out as one of the key analysis tool to be used in examine the quantitative data collected, and then the information was presented by the use of means, frequencies, percentages, standard deviations an means. The research utilized multiple regressions analysis in estimating the study model. The study’s gathered and analyzed data was presented by the use of tables, charts, graphs and frequencies meant to enhance the process of interoperations, provision of conclusions and recommendations. Theoretically, the research is expected to be of importance both to firms expected to use the information in enhancing quality products provisions and academicians expected to do researches on a similar or related topic.It was established that the selected TQM practices which included customer focus, top management commitment, continuous improvement and employee involvement significantly and positively influence the performance of commercial banks in Kilifi Town. The study concluded that the banks to a great extent embrace the four TQM practices in a bid to improve service provision, client attraction and retention and also improve organizational performance. It was further concluded that the banks embrace continuous process, procedures and system improvement to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The study also concluded that the banks valued customers in a bid to enhance market share and customer base and also stay competitive in the market. The study further concluded that the top management was committed to enhancing service quality, employee participation and involvement in quality integration, stakeholder involvement, communication and collective decision making. The study recommends that the banks need to involve employees and stakeholder more in decision making and policy formulation to promote collective responsibility and performance. The study recommends that there is need for improved customer care to cater for all categories of clients and also embrace value addition to the clients. The study was conducted on only four TQM practices, there is need for further studies on other TQM practices.