Quality management systems: A study of authority and empowerment

This paper examines the types of power in organizations, authority, empowerment, organization politics, employees' resistance to change, leadership style and conflicts within construction organizations which may negate the effective development, implementation and maintenance of quality management systems. The results of a questionnaire and in-depth interviews are analysed. Diverse management factors including support of senior management, appropriate leadership style, cultivating employee's enthusiasm and participation, open communication and feedback must be managed properly to achieve quality management systems in the construction industry.