Integration of Total Quality Management and Green Practices as a Driver of Sustainable Development: A Pilot Study of Manufacturing Companies in the Republic of North Macedonia

In the context of increasing global and local demands for sustainability, this study investigates the impact of integrating total quality management (TQM) with green practices on organizational performance in manufacturing companies in the Republic of North Macedonia. The research is based on a pilot study conducted in six companies and employs a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys, analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs), and in-depth case studies. The findings demonstrate that the integrated TQM and green practices model leads to a significant 58% reduction in defects and an 11% increase in productivity compared to the TQM-only group. Moreover, the results highlight the model’s applicability and effectiveness in small-scale economies, suggesting that a strategic alignment of quality management with environmental practices can create both operational efficiencies and sustainable competitive advantages. This study contributes to the understanding of how combined management and sustainability initiatives can support organizational performance in emerging markets.