Quality and developing countries: the role of international and organizational factors

Purpose – This research examines the literature on quality management in developing countries and explores the influence of important international and organizational variables on quality in developing countries. Design/methodology/approach – By drawing from the literature and gaining input from industry panels, it formulates specific propositions depicting the influence of international (economic, political/legal, cultural/social) and organizational (goals/priorities, commitment/control, centralization/decentralization, networking) factors on quality. Findings – A number of gaps are identified in the literature on quality management in developing countries along with significant challenges including differing perceptions of quality, the legacy of colonization and protectionist policies, and tight governmental controls. Research limitations/implications – The framework of this research develops general relationships between quality and international and organizational variables. Based upon the propositions developed within this framework, future research can formulate and empirically test more specific hypotheses. Further, international and organizational variables are looked upon independently. Future research can explore possible interaction effects of these sets of variables on quality outcomes in developing countries. Practical implications – Based upon this research, mangers of multinational corporations (MNCs) can better understand the role and affects of international and organizational factors on quality of goods and services in developing countries. Such understanding is an important requisite for the effective management of operations in developing countries. Originality/value – This research identifies for MNCs the unique challenges international and organizational variables pose for quality management and operations in developing countries. The propositions developed help synthesize the literature on quality management in developing countries and provide a framework for future empirical research needed to support theory development in this area.