IMPACT OF NATIONAL CULTURE ON TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE CAMBODIAN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

National culture can influence management practices in any business. Therefore, the impact of national culture on management practices should be examined to minimize conflicts and improve productivity. This study aims to examine the relationship between national culture and total quality management practices in the construction industry. Within this context, a case study was carried out in the Cambodian construction industry. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 84 professionals from 26 construction companies operating in the Cambodian construction industry. Hofstede's cultural dimensions were used to interpret the study findings. Based on the results, leadership, system approach to management, and customer focus are determined as the most significant total quality management principles. Moreover, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, and power distance were found as the most important dimensions influencing total quality management practices. The study findings can help professionals to better understand the role of national culture in implementing total quality management practices in the Cambodian construction industry.