Configurations in quality management

Current quality literature often appears to assume that its recommendations are universally applicable, implying that the models can be used by all businesses. Adopting a contingency theory approach, this paper argues that the management of quality can be organised in a variety of ways. Based on an empirical survey of quality work in Danish companies, five configurations of quality work are developed. The study investigates some factors that seem likely to determine whether a company chooses one configuration rather than another. Quality control, the organisation of quality work and certification are illustrated in individual configurations. Finally, the results of quality work in individual configurations are presented. The analysis demonstrates that each configuration represents a significantly different way of addressing and controlling quality in companies.