TITLE:
The Mediating Role of Internal Service Quality between Total Quality Management (TQM) Practices and Health Industry Performance in UAE
AUTHORS:
Ayeda Mattar Al Hosani, Kesavan A/L Nallaluthan, Kamarul Bahari Bin Yaakub
KEYWORDS:
Total Quality Management, Continuous Quality Improvement, Process Management, Employee Involvement, Internal Service Quality, Organizational Performance, Health Industry
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Service Science and Management,
Vol.19 No.3,
June
4,
2026
ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to examine the role of total quality management (TQM) practices in organizational performance (OP) of the healthcare industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While considering TQM practices, this study addressed the role of three practices, which include continuous quality improvement, process management, and employee involvement. Furthermore, this study considered the mediating role of internal service quality (ISQ) between TQM practices and OP. Data was collected by using a questionnaire survey from the employees working in the healthcare industry of the UAE. Three hundred and one (301) valid responses were received, which were used for data analysis. After data collection, PLS-SEM was employed for data analysis. Findings of the study revealed that TQM practices such as continuous quality improvement, process management, and employee involvement have positive contributions to promote OP. Furthermore, ISQ plays the role of a mediating variable between TQM practices and OP. This study has vital implications for academicians and practitioners to promote healthcare OP through the proper implementation of TQM practices.