Purpose: The success of implementing Deming's management method depends on the ability of managers to operationally define and measure Deming's 14 Points. Tamimi et al. developed a set of operational measures for these 14 Points. They tested the validity and reliability of their instrument using a sample of firms that were involved in implementing TQM practices from one to five years out from implementation. This paper aims to examine this issue.

Design/methodology/approach: In this study, which retested their measurement items, data were collected from over 100 manufacturing and service companies of all sizes across the USA and Canada. The data were analyzed using similar statistical analysis procedures and comparisons were made with the results of Tamimi et al.'s study.

Findings: The results replicated the study by Tamimi et al. and supported their operational definitions with two exceptions. The scales for "Eliminating slogans and targets", and "Taking action to accomplish the transformation", were not found to be reliable in either the original or the current study. These two scales need to be modified and new questions are suggested in the paper.

Research limitations/implications: The response rate for this study was high. However, self-selection to participate and self-reported responses could lead to some bias in responses.

Originality/value: The resulting operational definitions should prove useful to organizations interested in adopting Deming's management method.