Which of the following is true of total quality management programs?

Total Quality Management (TQM) programs emphasize the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs and fostering strong relationships with customers as a key to achieving long-term success. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, TQM initiatives align organizational processes and employee performance with the expectations and preferences of customers, which ultimately leads to improved quality of products and services.

This customer-centric approach encourages organizations to continuously gather feedback, assess customer satisfaction, and make necessary adjustments to meet those needs effectively. Engaging with customers builds loyalty, enhances the reputation of the organization, and can drive improvements in quality and operational efficiencies.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent the core principles of TQM. While efficiency metrics may play a role in evaluating performance, TQM primarily focuses on quality and satisfaction rather than merely measuring efficiency. Furthermore, effective TQM programs typically require investment in training and development to ensure that employees have the right skills and knowledge to contribute to quality improvements, rather than reducing the need for such initiatives. Finally, TQM is not aligned with an autocratic style of management; instead, it often promotes a participative or democratic management style where employees at all levels are encouraged to engage in problem-solving and quality improvement efforts.