Final answer:
In TQM, limiting employee participation is an ineffective practice as it contradicts the TQM ethos of continuous improvement and employee involvement in enhancing processes. Conversely, practices like long-term supplier partnerships, quality control integration, and benchmarking are considered effective. The correct answer is option c.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of total quality management (TQM), an ineffective practice is c. Limiting employee participation. TQM is a holistic approach that focuses on continuous improvement in all aspects of a business, including product development, manufacturing, and customer service. By forming long-term supplier partnerships, companies can ensure consistent quality of materials and potentially reduce costs. Viewing quality control as an element of a product and incorporating quality control throughout the transformation process are both integral to TQM, as quality should be built into every step of the production process, not just inspected for at the end.
Benchmarking against the best-performing companies is also an effective TQM practice, as it allows the business to set performance goals and improve processes based on industry standards. On the other hand, limiting employee participation goes against the TQM ethos, as it hinders engagement and the sharing of ideas that could lead to process improvements. Active involvement and empowerment of employees are crucial for fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.