Certified Nurse Manager and Leader (CNML) Practice Test

What is a core commitment of Total Quality Management?

1. To empower employees and focus on quality

2. To create competition among departments

3. To minimize employee feedback

4. To standardize all operations

The correct answer is: To empower employees and focus on quality

A core commitment of Total Quality Management (TQM) is to empower employees and focus on quality. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of involving all employees in the process of continuous improvement and quality enhancement. By empowering staff, organizations tap into the insights and experiences of their workforce, fostering a culture where individuals feel valued and are motivated to contribute to quality initiatives. This collaborative environment leads to improved processes, products, and services. The focus on quality is central to TQM; it is not viewed merely as a final goal, but as an ongoing commitment to excellence in every aspect of the organization's operations. By prioritizing quality and empowering employees, organizations can achieve higher customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. In contrast, creating competition among departments can lead to silos and reduced collaboration, which is not aligned with TQM's principles. Minimizing employee feedback goes against the TQM philosophy that values input from all levels for continuous improvement. Standardizing all operations may overlook the need for adaptability and flexibility that TQM encourages through ongoing evaluation and innovation.