Total quality management emphasizes __________.

Total quality management (TQM) emphasizes a commitment to quality that extends beyond just internal company issues to include the entire supply chain, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement. This holistic view encourages organizations to cultivate quality in everything they do, engaging every employee at all levels and integrating quality into every aspect of the business operations.

The essence of TQM is to create a culture where everyone is aware of the importance of quality and is dedicated to enhancing it consistently. This includes understanding customer requirements, reducing waste, improving processes, and ensuring that quality considerations are embedded within the organizational strategy. By prioritizing a comprehensive commitment to quality, organizations can improve their overall competitiveness and deliver greater value to their customers.

The other options focus on aspects that, while important in various contexts, do not represent the core tenet of TQM. Cost-cutting measures may lead to short-term savings but are not a substitute for a commitment to comprehensive quality. Similarly, maximizing output without consideration for quality can lead to issues down the line, and while standardization of processes can be part of a quality strategy, it does not embody the broader, overarching commitment to quality that TQM advocates.