What distinguishes continuous quality improvement (CQI) from total quality management (TQM)?

Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is characterized by its focus on ongoing, incremental improvements in processes, products, or services. This approach is rooted in the understanding that quality can always be enhanced, and it emphasizes the necessity of continuously assessing and refining practices to optimize outcomes. The commitment to persistent improvement differentiates CQI from other management strategies, as it fosters a culture where employees are encouraged to identify and act on areas for enhancement continually.

Total Quality Management (TQM), on the other hand, is a comprehensive management philosophy aimed at long-term organizational success primarily through customer satisfaction. TQM encompasses a broader approach that integrates all aspects of an organization, focusing not only on continuous improvement but also on aligning processes, systems, and people with the organization's goals. While TQM promotes ongoing improvement, it also stresses the importance of managing these improvements within a holistic framework that touches on every department and aspect of the organization.

This distinction underlines CQI's role as a subset of TQM. CQI is more concentrated on the mechanics of gradual process enhancement, whereas TQM provides a wider lens focused on sustainability and customer-oriented strategies that ensure quality across the entire organization.