TQM-why is this so hard?

The author explores why the process of developing a quality-oriented culture is so painfully difficult, requires years of strong leadership and focused effort, and must involve everyone in the organization. A short summary of total quality management as applied across many organizations is provided as background. T. Kuhn´s concept of paradigm shifts described in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions is applied. A description of an engineer´s dilemma in carrying out an assignment made by his organization reveals the many hidden factors that influence his ability to complete the project successfully. Extensive organizational work must be done to support the more technical aspects of TQM