Knowledge Management and Total Quality Management -a Complementary Process

Knowledge Management (hereafter KM) Some times looks like a theoretical, intangible and no operational subject. Nevertheless most people agree on capital role of concepts and proposals embedded in it in organizations and companies success. We think TQM companies fit, better that others, with Knowledge Management Systems Decision Making Oriented which allow the companies to manage its tacit (quality circles program, reward programs) or explicit (TQM system formalized documents) knowledge in an effective and efficient way. So, based on existing organizational culture in TQM companies, the experience on formalizing TQM system and IT, KM system can be implemented in order to get suitable competitive advantages.

The focus of this paper is to examine the similarities and differences between TQM concepts & KM theories, and develop an inclusive approach to management by integrating KM into TQM. At the end, it includes that KM & TQM are complementary and to be successful, it is necessary to take an integrated approach to management.