A meta-analysis of the relationship between quality management and innovation in small and medium-sized enterprises

This paper presents a comprehensive meta-analysis examining the relationship between Quality Management (QM) and innovation in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs). Through a statistical synthesis of the findings of 31 empirical studies published between 2008 and 2022, this meta-analysis reveals a significant positive correlation between QM and diverse innovation types in SMEs. More specifically, the results show that total quality management, soft and hard quality management practices and quality management systems all positively correlate with technological, non-technological and green innovations. Importantly, the results underscore the pivotal role of leadership styles – charismatic, team-oriented, participative and autonomous – in enhancing the QM-innovation relationship, while human-oriented and self-protective styles appear to diminish it. The findings offer strategic insights for SMEs managers to optimize innovation through tailored quality initiatives and leadership style.