How does Total Quality Management view internal processes?

Total Quality Management (TQM) emphasizes the importance of internal processes as essential elements of an organization that require continuous improvement and monitoring. TQM operates on the premise that the quality of products and services is heavily influenced by the internal processes that create them.

By viewing internal processes as the critical area for identifying and solving problems, TQM advocates for a systematic approach where organizations constantly analyze their operations to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. This focus on internal processes enables organizations to identify root causes of issues, implement corrective actions, and foster a culture of quality improvement throughout all levels.

The other choices do not align with the TQM philosophy. Viewing internal processes as fixed and unchangeable undermines the core principle of continuous improvement that TQM promotes. Similarly, considering them as secondary to customer-facing activities ignores the interconnectedness of internal processes and customer satisfaction. Lastly, regarding internal processes as essential only during the production phase limits the scope of quality management, as TQM encompasses all areas of an organization, including service delivery and support functions, not just production.