The aim of this research is to examine the moderating effect of TQM practices on the relationship between organisational defensive routines and double-loop learning. The current literature supports the notion that organisational defensive routines thwart double-loop learning (Ritchie, 1999). Yet there is no empirical research at present which investigates the effect of organisational defensive routines on double-loop learning in organisations practising TQM. There is also no empirical study which compares the relationship between organisational defensive routines and double-loop learning in organisations practising TQM and those not practising TQM. / The significance of the study is addressed in terms of its theoretical and practical contributions. The study has empirically tested the concepts put forward by Argyris (1985, 1990b. 1993, 1994) and contributes towards the development of his theory. The Double-loop Learning Theory as propounded by Argyris (1985, 1990, 1993) states that organisational defensive routines hinder double-loop learning in organisations. Argyris (1994) further argues that the practice of TQM does not reduce the effect of organisational defensive routines on double-loop learning. On the other hand, the works of Terziovski, Howell, Sohal & Morrison (2000) and Morrison & Terziovski (2001) imply that TQM practices will improve the performance of an organisation through a reduction of organisational defensive routines. This gap in the TQM literature has provided the rationale for carrying out this study. / Quantitative method was adopted for this research. The method used in this research was classified as correlational research by Gay (1996). The independent variable of this research was organisational defensive routines. The dependent variable was double-loop learning. The moderating variable was TQM practices. / Mail questionnaires were sent to 1396 identifiable manufacturing companies in Penang based on the addresses given in seven directories of associations. Only one supervisor from each organisation was invited to be a respondent in order to achieve higher return rate. The return rate was 12.32% and the total number of respondents amounted to 172. / After testing the four groups of hypotheses, several findings are established. First, organisational defensive routines hinder double-loop learning in non-TQM firms only. / Second, the moderating effect of TQM practices on the relationship between organisational defensive routines and double-loop learning is effective only when the execution of the elements of TQM practices is high / Third, TQM practices could moderate the relationship between organisational defensive routines and double-loop learning because TQM practices and double-loop learning have high levels of positive correlation. / Fourth, it is tested that TQM practices are not affected by the duration of practising TQM. / Thesis (DBA(DoctorateofBusinessAdministration))--University of South Australia, 2005.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267256 |
| Creators | Chiu, Aik Kiat. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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