Abstract
This research focused on examining the effect of cultural diversity on the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the manufacturing industry in South Africa. South Africa is highly diverse culturally, and therefore, bound to have cultural diversity in the workplace. The manufacturing industry is one of the main employers in South Africa and contributes significantly to the wealth of the country, therefore, the productivity and efficiency of the industry is vital. Many companies embark on the journey to attain a philosophy called TQM to achieve high productivity, Continuous improvement, encourage total employee commitment, and minimise errors. TQM requires that employees work as a team, with the company principles aligned to those of TQM.
The study utilised a quantitative research method in the form of an online survey to gather the data from 40 employees working in manufacturing companies in South Africa. To limit the sample, three sectors from the manufacturing industry were selected: these were petroleum, chemical and plastics; food production; electronics, computers, and transportation. The results from the study were analysed statistically and showed that companies are implementing TQM, that participants are more creative in a multi-cultural environment and experience enhanced efficiency, and companies have measures in place to manage cultural diversity. It also revealed that there was prejudice and stereotypes, cultural discrimination, and misunderstandings between employees due to cultural diversity. Recommendations concluded from the study suggest the importance of social gatherings, team-building activities, continuous cultural diversity training, and adherence to company policies and procedures regarding cultural diversity. The limitation to the study was that it did not include the entire manufacturing industry but a sample from three sectors.