Since the competence of Croatian companies for TQM implementation has never been seriously examined this is the first attempt of that kind. The research is carried out in the electrical energy sector involving seven categories to measure the competence of companies for TQM implementation. The categories are defined according to the experience of global companies and are based on a set of statements evaluated by company managers. The aim of the research is to determine whether there is a significant difference in managers' attitudes on competence for implementation of the TQM concept in companies with ISO certificates in comparison to those without it. The results reveal that in the Croatian electrical energy sector companies the possession of quality certificates does not significantly affect their competence for TQM implementation and that the companies in the process of acquiring ISO certificates are as competent for TQM implementation as those which have already acquired them.

Economics