Abstract:

This research examined the adaptation of Quality Management Systems and their impact on the performance and competitiveness of Small and medium-sized businesses in Guyana. Small and Medium-sized enterprises are pivotal to the continued development of Guyana's economy. Irrespective of their importance to the economy, however, SMEs in Guyana face many challenges with adopting and implementing Quality Management Systems such as ISO 9001, which are crucial for advancing operational efficiency and market reach. Employing a quantitative, descriptive correlational approach the study found several significant hurdles to the adoption and implementation of Quality Management Systems, including, financial constraints, lack of support, limited awareness of the value of Quality Management Systems, and regulatory obstacles. It was found that these hurdles significantly impact SMEs capacity to perform optimally, which by extension affect their ability to be competitive in the various industries in which they are positioned. Equally, another significant finding from this study is the positive correlation between the implementation of Quality Management Systems, and business outcomes such as operational efficiency, customer service, and competitive performance. These outcomes provide the impetus for actionable recommendations for effective facilitation of Quality Management Systems adaptation in SMEs in Guyana.

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