Abstract

FAJARDO ORTIZ, MERCEDES; CANO VELASCO, LINA MARCELA  and  TOBON GORDILLO, MONICA CECILIA. The impact of quality management systems on organizational structure and innovation in the Colombian sugar industry. estud.gerenc. [online]. 2012, vol.28, n.spe, pp.317-338. ISSN 0123-5923.

This study analyzes the potential impact of quality management on organizational structure and innovation in three sugar mills in Colombia. To gather information, a survey was designed and administered to some collaborators. The findings point out that the sugar mills have formal organizational structures in place and a lesser degree of horizontal specialization with a strong focus on personnel training. It is irrefutable that implementing a quality management system necessarily leads to changes in the structure, hierarchical levels, vertical decentralization, and lateral liaison devices. There is also no evidence of significant differences in innovation at any of the three sugar mills. It would be advisable to conduct further research on this topic at other mills in the country in the future.

Keywords : Organizational structure; quality management system; innovation; Colombian sugar industry.

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