17422. TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT & HRM. This paper explores the TQM-HRM link and considers the proposition that Total Quality Management gives Human Resources Management a more strategic role in the organization. Argues that TQM initiatives often do not meet expectations because of a failure to attend to some of TQM’s ‘soft-side’ issues such as employee training and development and organizational culture. Maintains that HRM can facilitate successful TQM implementation both by serving as a role model and by acting as TQM’s change agent throughout the organization. Thus, by integrating TQM and HRM, TQM becomes more effective, and HRM takes on a more strategic role in the organization. KEYWORDS: quality management human resources management strategy HRM TQM organizational change. Written 2004. 8 pages, 22 footnotes, 14 bibliographic sources. 1,921 words.