Book excerpt: In this book, the authors relate Total Quality Management (TQM) to the broader organisation and environment in the context in which TQM is located, bringing in consideration of organisational culture and structure, of employee relations and the balance of power between management and employees and the role of Human Resource Management. This involves a critical appraisal of TQM, considering both the way in which employees perceive its operation in practice and the question of 'who gains what' from TQM.