19-04-2012, 02:47 PM
Quality Circles
Quality Circles.ppt (Size: 71 KB / Downloads: 198)
What is a Quality Circle
Voluntary groups of employees who work on similar tasks or share an area of responsibility
They agree to meet on a regular basis to discuss & solve problems related to work.
They operate on the principle that employee participation in decision-making and problem-solving improves the quality of work
How Do Quality Circles Work
All members of a Circle need to receive training
Members need to be empowered
Members need to have the support of Senior Management
Real World Example
At Penn State University in 1983, a Quality Circle was formed by Professor Hirshfield, a Professor of East Asia History.
Selected 8 Students from a large lecture class
Resulted in increased involvement from the class
Summary of History and Practices
Quality Circles were first seen in the United States in the 1950’s
Circles were developed by Dr, Kaoru Ishikawa in Japan in the 1960’s
Circles were re-exported to the US in the early 1970’s
Summary of History and Practices
1980’s brought Total Quality Management and a reduction in the use of Quality Circles
Quality Circles can be a useful tool if used properly