In this study, an effort has been made to analyze the Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and measure their impact on Quality Performance (QP) in respondent companies. The study has identified several areas for improvement, of which the most critical are employee training, employee engagement, policies and strategies, process management, and customer focus. These critical areas need to be strengthened by the change agents to cut down the cost of quality initiatives, achieve new business expansion, enhance the quantum of exports, reach the commanding heights of competitive edge, and thus, gain sustenance and growth of the business.

Quality consciousness is not new to India. The quality of Indian textile is exemplary. The 7th century steel pillar at Delhi and many other monuments and structures still bear testimony to the utmost concern and ability of Indians to produce quality products in ancient times. In the modern era also, right since the early 1960s, Indian managers have been familiar with and using techniques like inspection, statistical quality control, etc. Then, what has hindered India from emerging as a nation producing quality products and services? Probably there is no single answer to this question, but the one thing that is certain is lack of commitment at all levels (individuals, groups, organizations and the nation) to produce quality goods and services, has definitely been one of the reasons. Perhaps, we have so far not understood the fact that the customer is the center of the business world and customer care and satisfaction is the single most important goal of the company. This fact is supported by many research studies. For instance, The World competitiveness report (1994), conducted by the Geneva-based World Economic Forum, revealed the following quality practice in use in corporate India.

India occupies the 40^th place in a sample of 41 countries, with regard to customer orientation parameter. India ranks as No. 38 in a sample of 41 countries, with regard to TQM practices. In this rapidly changing environment, many organizations are striving to sustain their profitability, and many more, for existence. The recent policies on liberalization have further toughened the situation. To face such a situation successfully, the drive for TQM started in the 1990s and it is gradually gaining popularity in the Indian companies.

Management Research Magazine, TQM Practices, Total Quality Management, TQM, Process Management, Quality Consciousness, Corporate India, Indian Companies, Transformational Leadership, Organizational Strategy, Top Management, Indian Corporate Sectors, Human Resource Development Schemes, Human Capital Planning, Employee Engagement, Business Ethics, Social Responsibility, Resource Management, Workplace Management.