Abstract: The research was conducted to measure the implementation of Total Quality Management by selected companies in the Bahrain manufacturing industry; and, determine the structural and processes changes the same firms underwent towards successful implementation of the TQM concept. A total of 25 executive respondents (from supervisor to Quality Manager Level) of manufacturing firms participated in the study from September to November 2015. The results reveal that respondent Bahraini manufacturing firms have significantly higher levels of Total Quality Management implementation in the areas of “Use of TQM Methods” followed closely by “Top Management Involvement”. Furthermore, the processes and structural changes the organizations underwent in implementing TQM include the identification of TQM champions (those who spearhead the promotion of TQM in the company); identifying and partnering with sources of TQM expertise; selecting the best department where TQM can best be practiced; having the Quality Manager as Head of their Quality programs; and, having Total Quality Management System as their main focus in the formal training of employees. Moreover, in terms of the level of implementation of structural exploration and structure for TQM implementation, companies lean towards more conservative exploration and rigid structure. The implementation of Total Quality Management in terms of the goals set for the effort and as perceived by quality management is perceived to be highly effective and backed by much better financial performance. Finally, it was concluded that the main competitive advantage of TQM implementation is less product and workmanship defects and more efficient operations.

Keywords: Structural control; Total Quality Management; TQM Implementation; Quality Managers; Competitive Advantage; Quality Managers; Structural changes.