Which term refers to a quality management system that seeks to improve quality across the organization?

The term that refers to a quality management system seeking to improve quality across the organization is Total Quality Management (TQM). TQM is a comprehensive approach that focuses on long-term success through customer satisfaction. It involves all members of an organization in improving processes, products, services, and the culture in which they work. This methodology emphasizes a continuous improvement philosophy and is designed to enhance quality in every aspect of the organization, making it a holistic way to manage quality.

In contrast, Quality Control pertains more specifically to the processes used to ensure that the produced goods and services meet specific quality standards, often through inspection and testing. Quality Assurance involves systematic activities aimed at ensuring quality requirements are fulfilled, typically focusing on the processes that create products or services. Operational Excellence is a broader concept that encompasses various practices aimed at improving efficiency and effectiveness across an organization, but it does not focus solely on quality improvement like TQM does. Thus, TQM stands out as the most comprehensive term that specifically addresses the overarching goal of improving quality organization-wide.