
byRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams
Reading Passage Question
According to P. F. Drucker, the management philosophy known as Total Quality Management (TQM), which is designed to be adopted consistently throughout an organization and to improve customer service by using sampling theory to reduce the variability of a product's quality, can work successfully in conjunction with two older management systems. As Drucker notes, TQM's scientific approach is consistent with the statistical sampling techniques of the "rationalist" school of scientific management, and the organizational structure associated with TQM is consistent with the social and psychological emphases of the "human relations" school of management.
However, TQM cannot simply be grafted onto these systems or onto certain other non-TQM management systems. Although, as Drucker contends, TQM shares with such systems the ultimate objective of increasing profitability, TQM requires fundamentally different strategies. While the other management systems referred to use upper management decision-making and employee specialization to maximize shareholder profits over the short term, TQM envisions the interests of employees, shareholders, and customers as convergent. For example, lower prices not only benefit consumers but also enhance an organization's competitive edge and ensure its continuance, thus benefiting employees and owners. TQM's emphasis on shared interests is reflected in the decentralized decision-making, integrated production activity, and lateral structure of organizations that achieve the benefits of TQM.
‘According to P. F. Drucker, the management philosophy known as Total Quality Management’ is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension. This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions.
The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.
Solution and Explanation
- The primary purpose of the passage is to
(A) point out contradictions in a new management system
(B) compare and contrast the objectives of various management systems
(C) identify the organizational features shared by various management systems
(D) explain the relationship of a particular management system to certain other management systems
(E) explain the advantages of a particular management system over certain other management systems
Answer: (D)
Explanation: In the first paragraph of the passage we can see that the author discusses other’s options about the relation between TQM and the other two schools. In the second paragraph of the passage, the author explains that TQM cannot simply be used with the other two methods. He points out the differences between TQM and the other schools. So, the author is trying to persuade us that the relationship is not exactly as close as it may seem to be.
- Which of the following best describes the relationship of the second paragraph to the first paragraph?
(A) It presents contrasting explanations for a phenomenon presented in the first paragraph.
(B) It discusses an exception to a general principle outlined in the first paragraph.
(C) It provides information that qualifies a claim presented in the first paragraph.
(D) It presents an example that strengthens a claim presented in the first paragraph.
(E) It presents an alternative approach to solving a problem discussed in the first paragraph.
Answer: (C)
Explanation: Here "qualifies" means to reduce in strength or value. The first paragraph creates an affirmation that TQM can be used with the other 2 systems. But in the second paragraph, the author says that TQM cannot be used with the other systems because of underlying fundamental differences. Hence, the second paragraph depletes the claim made in the first paragraph.
- According to the passage, the rationalist and human relations schools of management are alike in that they
- are primarily interested in increasing profits
- place little emphasis on issues of organizational structure
- use statistical sampling techniques to increase profitability
- are unlikely to lower prices in order to increase profitability
- focus chiefly on setting and attaining long-term objectives
Answer: (A)
Explanation: In the second paragraph of the passage, the author explains the other management systems. It referred to the use of upper management decision-making and employee specialization to maximize shareholder profits over the short term. So, TQM envisions the interests of employees, shareholders, and customers as convergent.
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