Total quality management (TQM) has been recognised and used during the last decades by organisations all over the world to develop a quality focus and improve organisational performance. In spite of this, TQM implementation is still problematic for many organisations. In this perspective important factors to succeed with the organisational change that TQM implementation implies will be discussed in this paper. Also presented is a multiple-case study of TQM implementation processes in small organisations with a focus on core value aspects. An overarching implementation model is presented based on the multiple-case study analysis and the theoretical frame. This model implies that TQM implementation will start with core values committed leadership, everybody's commitment and customer orientation. (56 refs.)