Application of Gemba Kaizen’s total quality management principle on employee performance in Kenya wildlife service, Tsavo East National Park, Kenya

Abstract

Total Quality Management has emerged as a promising quality and performance approach that could meet or exceed customer expectations. However, scholars have noted that for efficacy, TQM must be supported by other principles, such as, the Gemba Kaizen‘s principles. Previous studies have, however, not tied the Gemba Kaizen Strategic principles to TQM and ultimately to employee performance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the application of Kaizen‘s TQM principle on employee performance. The study adopted a descriptive research design targeting employees of Kenya wildlife Service, Tsavo East National Park. Using pre-tested copies of questionnaire to collect data from 278 respondents, the study established that Gemba Kaizen principles applied to TQM had a significant bearing on employee performance. It is, therefore, recommended that employees at Tsavo East National Park need to be  enlightened on the concept of continuous and gradual development as outlined by both the Kaizen and TQM principles.

Keywords: Total Quality Management, Employee performance, Gemba Kaizen‘s Principle, Quality improvement, Kenya Wildlife Service