Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) quality management (QM) research (1990–2014): a revealing look at QM's vital role in making SMEs stronger

Findings from 25 years of quality management small and mid-sized enterprise (QM SME) research, 55 studies spanning 18 countries are provided. Using a multi-stage QM model to frame the review, the discussion clarifies the stages SMEs experience when engaging QM. The SME QM literature supports the use of QM by SMEs. Yet, many potential barriers often hinder SMEs' QM pursuit. Affirming differences between large firms and SMEs, QM may need to be calibrated differently for SMEs, with QM activities aligned with SME resources. Also, while QM is often touted to be universally applicable, there is evidence that country factors, ranging from leadership skills to national culture to government, likely affect implementation and outcomes, albeit more research is needed. Performance following QM implementation tends to be supportive of QM, although QM costs, resource constraints, and fatigue can lead to reduced QM commitment.