The impact of total quality management practices on employee empowerment in the healthcare sector in Saudi Arabia: a study of King Khalid Hospital

The impact of TQM practices on employee empowerment has not been investigated in the literature. Therefore, the purpose of this unique study is to examine the impact of TQM predictors (i.e., training, teamwork, top management commitment, continuous improvement, and customer satisfaction) on employee empowerment in Saudi healthcare. A proposed research model and hypotheses are developed based on a comprehensive literature review and tested by using a questionnaire‐based survey, distributed to collect data from employees working at King Khalid Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Results indicate that TQM practices when implemented have a favourable impact on employee empowerment. The study concluded that empowerment levels look healthy and stronger under existence of effective training programmes, cooperation and teamwork, committed top management, continuously improved process, and satisfied customers. The main limitation of this study is that it is conducted with one hospital. The academic and managerial implications of the findings for managers, decision‐makers and researchers are discussed and further research directions are offered.