Which of the following is a principle of TQM?

Continuous improvement is essential in Total Quality Management (TQM) because it embodies the philosophy that organizations should constantly strive to enhance their processes, products, and services to meet or exceed customer expectations. TQM is built on the belief that there is always room for improvement, and organizations should foster an environment where employees at all levels are encouraged to identify areas for improvement and suggest solutions.

This principle also emphasizes the importance of iterative processes, where the organization regularly assesses its operations, gathers data, and uses that information to make informed decisions and improvements. By committing to continuous improvement, organizations can become more agile, adapt to changing market conditions, and ultimately provide better outcomes for their customers.

Promoting only upper management's input fails to capture the collaborative nature of TQM, as it relies on input from all staff members. Saying that systems and processes should not change contradicts the foundations of TQM, which is about adaptability and growth through change. Finally, considering quality improvement as a one-time event is contrary to TQM principles, as it should be a holistic, ongoing commitment rather than a singular initiative.