Quality Circles

Quality CirclesSummary of History and PracticesQuality Circles were first seen in the United States in the 1950sCircles were developed by Dr, Kaoru Ishikawa in Japan in the 1960sCircles were re-exported to the US in the early 1970s1980s brought Total Quality Management and a reduction in the use of Quality CirclesQuality Circles can be a useful tool if used properly

GENESIS OF QUALITY CIRCLESAfter the Second World War Japanese economy was in the doldrums. Seeing this disastrous effect of war, Americans decided to help Japan in improving the quality standards of their products. General Douglas Mac Arthur who, at that time, was the commander of the occupational forces in Japan took up the task of imparting quality awareness among Japanese to help them improve their products and the reliability of manufacturing systems including men, machine and materials. Thus, by 1975, they were topping the world in quality and productivity. This astonishing and unique achievement in modern history became an eye opener to the world. Industrialists and politicians from all over the world started visiting Japan to know how they have achieved such magical results in such a short span. The answer to this was painstaking and persevering efforts of the Japanese leaders and workers and the development and growth of the philosophy of small working groups.DEFINITIONQuality Circle is a small group of 6 to 12 employees doing similar work who voluntarily meet together on a regular basis to identify improvements in their respective work areas using various techniques for analyzing and solving work related problems coming in the way of achieving and sustaining excellence leading to mutual upliftment of employees as well as the organization. It is "a way of capturing the creative and innovative power that lies within the work forceCONCEPTThe concept of Quality Circle is primarily based upon recognition of the value of the worker as a human being, as someone who willingly activates on his job, intelligence, experience, attitude and feelings. It is based upon the human resource management considered as one of the key factors in the improvement of product quality & productivity. Quality Circle concept has three major attributes:Quality Circle is a form of participation management.Quality Circle is a human resource development technique.Quality Circle is a problem solving technique.OBJECTIVEThe objectives of Quality Circles are multi-faced.a) Change in Attitude.From "I dont care" to "I do care Continuous improvement in quality of work life through humanization of work.b) Self Development Bring out Hidden Potential of peoplePeople get to learn additional skills.c) Development of Team Spirit ,Eliminate inter -departmental conflicts.d) Improved Organizational Culture Positive working environment.e)Total involvement of people at all levels.Higher motivational level.

How Do Quality Circles Work? Characteristics:VolunteersSet Rules and PrioritiesDecisions made by ConsensusUse of Problem-Solving approachAll members of a Circle need to receive trainingMembers need to be empowereMembers need to have the support of Senior management

Who works for Quality Circles?A steering committee: This is at the top of the structure. It is headed by a senior executive and includes representatives from the top management personnel and human resources development people. It establishes policy, plans and directs the program and meets usually once in a month.Co-ordinator: He may be a Personnel or Administrative officer who co-ordinates and supervises the work of the facilitators and administers the program.AdvantagesProduct improvementCustomer satisfactionefficiency savingsfinancial savingsimproved company performancereduced customer complaintsreduced wasted/scrapreduced errorincreased accuracyDisadvantagesPeople do not like change so dislike change managementPeople have to meet compliance levelsdemands on partner/suppliers to achieve like for efficiencies are dislikedNowhere to hide for people not meeting set standardspoor management are highlighted very quickly