What is the main focus of Total Quality Management (TQM)?

Total Quality Management (TQM) is primarily centered on satisfying customers through the active involvement and empowerment of employees. TQM is a management approach that encourages continuous improvement of processes, products, and services to enhance overall quality while ensuring that customer satisfaction remains at the forefront.

In TQM, employees are empowered to take initiative and contribute to improving quality, which not only requires their engagement but also values their insights and ideas. When employees feel empowered, they are more likely to contribute positively to service delivery and quality improvements. This ultimately leads to greater customer satisfaction, as the improvements made through employee involvement directly address customer needs and expectations.

The other options, while they may touch on aspects relevant to operational management, do not capture the holistic essence of TQM. Focusing solely on employee efficiency, financial gains, or cost reduction neglects the core principle of TQM, which is to prioritize the customer experience through a culture of continuous improvement and engagement throughout the organization.