Leading in Total Quality Management in Panama Total Quality Management (TQM) cannot be implemented in Panama if there is no employee participation. This problem exists because of an autocratic leadership style that is deeply ingrained in the organization. An autocratic leader believes that employees are dependent, hostile, reluctant to work, and need detailed plans at all times. Due to the above characteristics of this leadership style, TQM cannot be applied correctly to Tropical Export Company. The first of the three most feasible solutions is to continue to manage the Tropical Export Company with an autocratic leadership style, while still encouraging participation and offering incentives to employees. . The second solution is to manage the company with a Laissez Fair leadership style. This will allow employees within the organization to solve problems on their own. The third solution is to change the culture from an autocratic style to a democratic style. This will allow employees to make their honest contributions without fear of consequences. If they continued to run the organization with an autocratic leadership style with incentives given to those particular employees who practice TQM effectively, a scam would be distributive justice..