Total Quality Strategies in Industry: The Experience of Two Multinationals in Brazil

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Abstract
In the race toward increasing competitiveness, a growing number of firms are adopting total quality strategies. Multinationals are taking the lead. This article provides some insights into the deployment of these strategies in Brazil, focusing on the experience of two prominent multinational firms. A few significant practices in connection with the soft and hard changes carried out during strategy implementation are expounded. The practices that have contributed to essential, but difficult, cultural change are examined. The supportive role of information technology is highlighted, as well as the importance of certain organizational provisions. The significant influence of Brazil's economic and market conditions on the shaping of total quality strategies is also emphasized.