Total quality management: managing the human dimension in natural resource agencies

Abstract

Stewardship in an era of dwindling human resources requires new approaches to the way business is conducted in the public sector, and Total Quality Management (TQM) can be the avenue for this transformation. Resource agencies are no exception to this requirement, although modifications to "traditional" private enterprise versions of TQM implementation techniques must be done if success is going to be achieved. The application of TQM within a public resource agency has been the focus of the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) during 1993-94. The lessons learned form the early stages of TQM implementation within the Department; the impact and implications for resource management teams; a candid discussion of the human dimension of implementation (internal and external); and a discussion of traditional TQM versus public agency TQM are addressed.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the second symposium on social aspects and recreation research, February 23-25, 1994, San Diego, California

Citation

Verardo, Denzil. 1995. Total quality management: managing the human dimension in natural resource agencies. In: Chavez, Deborah J., tech. coord. Proceedings of the Second Symposium on Social Aspects and Recreation Research, February 23-25, 1994, San Diego, California. Gen. Tech. Rep PSW-GTR-156. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: 165-171