Furthermore, to add to the importance of HRM in the successful implementation of quality management programmes, Flynes (1999) believes that the absence of HRM practices can significantly undermine TQM. Similarly, HRM contributions to TQM have been put forward by Marchington et al. (IPM, 1993, p. 66) in the following three ways: first, shaping the strategy of the quality initiative and in developing a quality infrastructure which takes sufficient account of people management issues; second, supplying operational and technical skills to TQM; and finally, demonstrating commitment to quality and enhancing the individual and collective credibility of HRM staff by applying quality principles to their own activities.