What is a primary goal of quality management?

The primary goal of quality management is to ensure a competitive edge through quality. This focus on quality encompasses the consistency, reliability, and performance of products and services, which can significantly influence customer satisfaction and loyalty. By establishing robust quality management practices, organizations are able to create products that not only meet market specifications but also exceed customer expectations. This, in turn, solidifies a company's reputation, fosters strong customer relationships, and drives repeat business—all essential components of maintaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

While increasing market share, enhancing product differentiation, and streamlining internal processes can all be byproducts of effective quality management, they are not the primary goal. The essence of quality management lies in offering superior quality consistently, which helps differentiate a product in the eyes of consumers and establishes the firm as a leader in quality. This foundational aspect of quality management supports other business objectives, but ensuring quality itself is the main driving force behind these initiatives.