Applied TQM in Public Sector Privatization and Strategic Partnerships in Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abstract

This paper investigated the extent to which applied TQM enhanced the readiness of the private and public sectors in engaging in strategic partnerships and their management capacity in sustaining such partnerships. The investigation was conducted in Abu Dhabi, UAE and carried out using the mixed method. Purposive sampling was used to ensure that only those involved or had knowledge of their organizations’ partnership initiatives participates in the study. The research data was treated using both quantitative and qualitative tools. The findings revealed that applied TQM was perceived to have enhanced the readiness of the private and public sectors to engage in strategic partnerships and in sustaining their partnerships. The readiness of both sectors was positively correlated with their capacity to sustain their partnership through the use of applied TQM. On the basis of the findings, the researcher developed a framework that highlights the significance of applied TQM for potential and future strategic partnerships between the public and private sector.

Keywords: TQM, privatization, PPP, strategic partnership, readiness, sustainability