SlideShare a Scribd company logo
Quality Circles
(Quality Management)
Presented byPresented by
Suraj PatilSuraj Patil
(MBA-Operations)(MBA-Operations)
(Roll No.- 53)(Roll No.- 53)
What is a Quality Circle?
โ€ข Voluntary groups of employees who work on similar tasks or
share an area of responsibility
โ€ข They agree to meet on a regular basis to discuss & solve
problems related to work.
โ€ข They operate on the principle that employee participation in
decision-making and problem-solving improves the quality of
work
โ€ข Number of members ranging from 3-12 people.
โ€ข They focus on specific issues to resolve problems.
โ€ข They generally meet weekly to analyze work related problems
and propose solutions to Management and where possible
implement those solutions.
โ€ข Members also tend to generate a mutual respect and trust as
they work on solutions, which is conducive for collaborating
as a team.
How Do Quality Circles Work?
โ€ข Characteristics
.2 Participation in Quality Circles needs to strictly be voluntary.
If members are forced to participate, it does not allow for a
conducive team building environment.
.3 The members of the Quality Circle set the rules and
prioritizes/selects problems that will be approached and
discussed by the team.
.4 All decisions are made by consensus, encouraging open
communication.
.5 Organized problem-solving should be utilized, which would
include brainstorming and cause-and-effect diagramming.
This organized approach also prevents the circles from
holding unproductive sessions as well.
How Do Quality Circles Work?
โ€ข All members of a Circle need to receive
training
โ€ข Members need to be empowered
โ€ข Members need to have the support of Senior
Management
How Can They be Used in an
Organization?
โ€ข Increase Productivity
โ€ข Improve Quality
โ€ข Boost Employee Morale
Real World Example
โ€ข At Penn State University in 1983, a Quality
Circle was formed by Professor Hirshfield, a
Professor of East Asia History.
โ€“ Selected 8 Students from a large lecture class
โ€“ Resulted in increased involvement from the class
Team Exercise
โ€ข Break down into teams of 6-8 people
โ€ข Establish a leader and rules for your Circle
โ€ข Have a brainstorming and problem-solving
session to resolve the issue on the next slide
Team Exercise
โ€ข A Collegiate class on Statistical Analysis has a total
enrollment of 45 people.
โ€ข Average attendance is 18 students
โ€ข The class consists mainly of lectures
โ€ข How can the professor of this class improve the
quality of this course and increase student
involvement?
Problems with Quality Circles
โ€ข Inadequate Training
โ€ข Unsure of Purpose
โ€ข Not truly Voluntary
โ€ข Lack of Management Interest
โ€ข Quality Circles are not really empowered to
make decisions.
Summary of History and Practices
โ€ข Quality Circles were first seen in the United
States in the 1950โ€™s
โ€ข Circles were developed by Dr, Kaoru Ishikawa
in Japan in the 1960โ€™s
โ€ข Circles were re-exported to the US in the early
1970โ€™s
Summary of History and Practices
โ€ข 1980โ€™s brought Total Quality Management
and a reduction in the use of Quality Circles
โ€ข Quality Circles can be a useful tool if used
properly

More Related Content

What's hot

7 qc tools training material[1]
7 qc tools training material[1]7 qc tools training material[1]
7 qc tools training material[1]
gurmukh singh
ย 
Continuous process improvement
Continuous process improvementContinuous process improvement
Continuous process improvement
Naeem Hassan
ย 
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM)Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Operational Excellence Consulting
ย 

What's hot (20)

DMAIC Components
DMAIC ComponentsDMAIC Components
DMAIC Components
ย 
Quality control vs Quality assurance
Quality control vs Quality assuranceQuality control vs Quality assurance
Quality control vs Quality assurance
ย 
7 qc tools training material[1]
7 qc tools training material[1]7 qc tools training material[1]
7 qc tools training material[1]
ย 
Quality control
Quality controlQuality control
Quality control
ย 
Quality circle content and implementation
Quality circle content and implementationQuality circle content and implementation
Quality circle content and implementation
ย 
12. seven management & planning tools
12. seven management & planning tools12. seven management & planning tools
12. seven management & planning tools
ย 
Introduction to six sigma
Introduction to six sigmaIntroduction to six sigma
Introduction to six sigma
ย 
Continuous process improvement
Continuous process improvementContinuous process improvement
Continuous process improvement
ย 
X bar and R control charts
X bar and R control chartsX bar and R control charts
X bar and R control charts
ย 
7 QC Tools
7 QC Tools7 QC Tools
7 QC Tools
ย 
Quality circle
Quality circleQuality circle
Quality circle
ย 
Control charts
Control chartsControl charts
Control charts
ย 
Quality Management System
Quality Management SystemQuality Management System
Quality Management System
ย 
7 quality control tools
7 quality  control tools7 quality  control tools
7 quality control tools
ย 
Twelve steps of qc
Twelve steps of qcTwelve steps of qc
Twelve steps of qc
ย 
Quality Control
Quality ControlQuality Control
Quality Control
ย 
PDCA Cycle
PDCA CyclePDCA Cycle
PDCA Cycle
ย 
Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM)Total Quality Management (TQM)
Total Quality Management (TQM)
ย 
Quality circle 2
Quality circle 2Quality circle 2
Quality circle 2
ย 
QUALITY CIRCLE
QUALITY CIRCLEQUALITY CIRCLE
QUALITY CIRCLE
ย 

Viewers also liked

Other examples of adhocracy
Other examples of adhocracyOther examples of adhocracy
Other examples of adhocracy
benedick ledesma
ย 
Hawthrone effect
Hawthrone effectHawthrone effect
Hawthrone effect
Cosmas Zeno
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
guest4fce9f
ย 

Viewers also liked (16)

Emergence d'idรฉes pour les start-up : enrichir sa vision du monde pour enrich...
Emergence d'idรฉes pour les start-up : enrichir sa vision du monde pour enrich...Emergence d'idรฉes pour les start-up : enrichir sa vision du monde pour enrich...
Emergence d'idรฉes pour les start-up : enrichir sa vision du monde pour enrich...
ย 
Quality circle
Quality circleQuality circle
Quality circle
ย 
Hawthorne experiments
Hawthorne experimentsHawthorne experiments
Hawthorne experiments
ย 
Other examples of adhocracy
Other examples of adhocracyOther examples of adhocracy
Other examples of adhocracy
ย 
Elton mayo hawthorne experiment
Elton mayo hawthorne experimentElton mayo hawthorne experiment
Elton mayo hawthorne experiment
ย 
Hawthrone effect
Hawthrone effectHawthrone effect
Hawthrone effect
ย 
Hawthorne
HawthorneHawthorne
Hawthorne
ย 
Elton mayoโ€™s hawthorne experiment and itโ€™s contributions to
Elton mayoโ€™s hawthorne experiment and itโ€™s contributions toElton mayoโ€™s hawthorne experiment and itโ€™s contributions to
Elton mayoโ€™s hawthorne experiment and itโ€™s contributions to
ย 
Maintenance and Reliability Case Studies and Bench-marking Data
Maintenance and Reliability Case Studies and Bench-marking DataMaintenance and Reliability Case Studies and Bench-marking Data
Maintenance and Reliability Case Studies and Bench-marking Data
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
ย 
Hawthrone studies explained
Hawthrone studies explainedHawthrone studies explained
Hawthrone studies explained
ย 
Supply Chain Process Improvement Methodology V1
Supply Chain Process Improvement Methodology V1Supply Chain Process Improvement Methodology V1
Supply Chain Process Improvement Methodology V1
ย 
Quality circle presentation by yusuff
Quality circle presentation by yusuffQuality circle presentation by yusuff
Quality circle presentation by yusuff
ย 
Quality Circles
Quality CirclesQuality Circles
Quality Circles
ย 
Hawthorne experiments
Hawthorne experimentsHawthorne experiments
Hawthorne experiments
ย 
Quality circle
Quality circle Quality circle
Quality circle
ย 

Similar to Quality circles

Quality circles (3)
Quality circles (3)Quality circles (3)
Quality circles (3)
Vidul Goel
ย 
fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...
fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...
fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...
SaadZafar59
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
rumoorthyit
ย 

Similar to Quality circles (20)

Quality circles (3)
Quality circles (3)Quality circles (3)
Quality circles (3)
ย 
164_TP.pptx
164_TP.pptx164_TP.pptx
164_TP.pptx
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
ย 
Quality Circle .pptx subject is total quality management in mechanical engine...
Quality Circle .pptx subject is total quality management in mechanical engine...Quality Circle .pptx subject is total quality management in mechanical engine...
Quality Circle .pptx subject is total quality management in mechanical engine...
ย 
Quality Circle.pptx
Quality Circle.pptxQuality Circle.pptx
Quality Circle.pptx
ย 
Team Building (Group Dynamics)
Team Building (Group Dynamics)Team Building (Group Dynamics)
Team Building (Group Dynamics)
ย 
Quality Circle.pptx
Quality Circle.pptxQuality Circle.pptx
Quality Circle.pptx
ย 
fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...
fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...
fdocuments.in_team-building-and-team-work-prepared-by-michael-k-mccuddy-valpa...
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
ย 
Maximize Team Building Skills and Success
Maximize Team Building Skills and Success	Maximize Team Building Skills and Success
Maximize Team Building Skills and Success
ย 
Dr. Dereje- 8 Module Eight- Leadership and Management- Feb 2022.ppt
Dr. Dereje- 8 Module Eight- Leadership and Management- Feb 2022.pptDr. Dereje- 8 Module Eight- Leadership and Management- Feb 2022.ppt
Dr. Dereje- 8 Module Eight- Leadership and Management- Feb 2022.ppt
ย 
Quality c ircles
Quality c irclesQuality c ircles
Quality c ircles
ย 
Quality circles
Quality circlesQuality circles
Quality circles
ย 
Quality Circles
Quality CirclesQuality Circles
Quality Circles
ย 
Quality circle
Quality circleQuality circle
Quality circle
ย 
Team work; problems and incentives.pptx
Team work; problems and incentives.pptxTeam work; problems and incentives.pptx
Team work; problems and incentives.pptx
ย 
Organizational Change and Development - Module 3 - MG University - Manu Melwi...
Organizational Change and Development - Module 3 - MG University - Manu Melwi...Organizational Change and Development - Module 3 - MG University - Manu Melwi...
Organizational Change and Development - Module 3 - MG University - Manu Melwi...
ย 
Managing performance
Managing performanceManaging performance
Managing performance
ย 
Managing performance
Managing performanceManaging performance
Managing performance
ย 

More from mogambo

Micro finance _article__by_shalini_yog
Micro finance _article__by_shalini_yogMicro finance _article__by_shalini_yog
Micro finance _article__by_shalini_yog
mogambo
ย 
Q uality control ch4
Q uality control ch4Q uality control ch4
Q uality control ch4
mogambo
ย 
Qfd
QfdQfd
Qfd
mogambo
ย 
Customer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfd
Customer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfdCustomer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfd
Customer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfd
mogambo
ย 
Poka yoke
Poka yokePoka yoke
Poka yoke
mogambo
ย 

More from mogambo (6)

Micro finance _article__by_shalini_yog
Micro finance _article__by_shalini_yogMicro finance _article__by_shalini_yog
Micro finance _article__by_shalini_yog
ย 
Q uality control ch4
Q uality control ch4Q uality control ch4
Q uality control ch4
ย 
Qfd
QfdQfd
Qfd
ย 
Customer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfd
Customer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfdCustomer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfd
Customer needs -_kano-garvin-&-qfd
ย 
Poka yoke
Poka yokePoka yoke
Poka yoke
ย 
Ratio analysis
Ratio analysisRatio analysis
Ratio analysis
ย 

Recently uploaded

NewBase 24 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase   24 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...NewBase   24 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase 24 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
Khaled Al Awadi
ย 
Cree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBd
Cree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBdCree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBd
Cree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBd
creerey
ย 
20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf
20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf
20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf
tjcomstrang
ย 
chapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxation
chapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxationchapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxation
chapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxation
AUDIJEAngelo
ย 
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.ppt
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.pptMemorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.ppt
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.ppt
seri bangash
ย 

Recently uploaded (20)

RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...
RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...
RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...
ย 
Equinox Gold Corporate Deck May 24th 2024
Equinox Gold Corporate Deck May 24th 2024Equinox Gold Corporate Deck May 24th 2024
Equinox Gold Corporate Deck May 24th 2024
ย 
Global Interconnection Group Joint Venture[960] (1).pdf
Global Interconnection Group Joint Venture[960] (1).pdfGlobal Interconnection Group Joint Venture[960] (1).pdf
Global Interconnection Group Joint Venture[960] (1).pdf
ย 
Maximizing Efficiency Migrating AccountEdge Data to QuickBooks.pdf
Maximizing Efficiency Migrating AccountEdge Data to QuickBooks.pdfMaximizing Efficiency Migrating AccountEdge Data to QuickBooks.pdf
Maximizing Efficiency Migrating AccountEdge Data to QuickBooks.pdf
ย 
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
Meaningful Technology for Humans: How Strategy Helps to Deliver Real Value fo...
ย 
5 Things You Need To Know Before Hiring a Videographer
5 Things You Need To Know Before Hiring a Videographer5 Things You Need To Know Before Hiring a Videographer
5 Things You Need To Know Before Hiring a Videographer
ย 
NewBase 24 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase   24 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...NewBase   24 May  2024  Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
NewBase 24 May 2024 Energy News issue - 1727 by Khaled Al Awadi_compresse...
ย 
Using Generative AI for Content Marketing
Using Generative AI for Content MarketingUsing Generative AI for Content Marketing
Using Generative AI for Content Marketing
ย 
The-McKinsey-7S-Framework. strategic management
The-McKinsey-7S-Framework. strategic managementThe-McKinsey-7S-Framework. strategic management
The-McKinsey-7S-Framework. strategic management
ย 
Cree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBd
Cree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBdCree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBd
Cree_Rey_BrandIdentityKit.PDF_PersonalBd
ย 
20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf
20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf
20240425_ TJ Communications Credentials_compressed.pdf
ย 
IPTV Subscription UK: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Service
IPTV Subscription UK: Your Guide to Choosing the Best ServiceIPTV Subscription UK: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Service
IPTV Subscription UK: Your Guide to Choosing the Best Service
ย 
chapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxation
chapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxationchapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxation
chapter 10 - excise tax of transfer and business taxation
ย 
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.ppt
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.pptMemorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.ppt
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.ppt
ย 
Understanding UAE Labour Law: Key Points for Employers and Employees
Understanding UAE Labour Law: Key Points for Employers and EmployeesUnderstanding UAE Labour Law: Key Points for Employers and Employees
Understanding UAE Labour Law: Key Points for Employers and Employees
ย 
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alumsales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
sales plan presentation by mckinsey alum
ย 
IPTV Subscription in Ireland: Elevating Your Entertainment Experience
IPTV Subscription in Ireland: Elevating Your Entertainment ExperienceIPTV Subscription in Ireland: Elevating Your Entertainment Experience
IPTV Subscription in Ireland: Elevating Your Entertainment Experience
ย 
falcon-invoice-discounting-a-premier-platform-for-investors-in-india
falcon-invoice-discounting-a-premier-platform-for-investors-in-indiafalcon-invoice-discounting-a-premier-platform-for-investors-in-india
falcon-invoice-discounting-a-premier-platform-for-investors-in-india
ย 
Team-Spandex-Northern University-CS1035.
Team-Spandex-Northern University-CS1035.Team-Spandex-Northern University-CS1035.
Team-Spandex-Northern University-CS1035.
ย 
HR and Employment law update: May 2024.
HR and Employment law update:  May 2024.HR and Employment law update:  May 2024.
HR and Employment law update: May 2024.
ย 

Quality circles

  • 1. Quality Circles (Quality Management) Presented byPresented by Suraj PatilSuraj Patil (MBA-Operations)(MBA-Operations) (Roll No.- 53)(Roll No.- 53)
  • 2. What is a Quality Circle? โ€ข Voluntary groups of employees who work on similar tasks or share an area of responsibility โ€ข They agree to meet on a regular basis to discuss & solve problems related to work. โ€ข They operate on the principle that employee participation in decision-making and problem-solving improves the quality of work โ€ข Number of members ranging from 3-12 people. โ€ข They focus on specific issues to resolve problems. โ€ข They generally meet weekly to analyze work related problems and propose solutions to Management and where possible implement those solutions. โ€ข Members also tend to generate a mutual respect and trust as they work on solutions, which is conducive for collaborating as a team.
  • 3. How Do Quality Circles Work? โ€ข Characteristics .2 Participation in Quality Circles needs to strictly be voluntary. If members are forced to participate, it does not allow for a conducive team building environment. .3 The members of the Quality Circle set the rules and prioritizes/selects problems that will be approached and discussed by the team. .4 All decisions are made by consensus, encouraging open communication. .5 Organized problem-solving should be utilized, which would include brainstorming and cause-and-effect diagramming. This organized approach also prevents the circles from holding unproductive sessions as well.
  • 4. How Do Quality Circles Work? โ€ข All members of a Circle need to receive training โ€ข Members need to be empowered โ€ข Members need to have the support of Senior Management
  • 5. How Can They be Used in an Organization? โ€ข Increase Productivity โ€ข Improve Quality โ€ข Boost Employee Morale
  • 6. Real World Example โ€ข At Penn State University in 1983, a Quality Circle was formed by Professor Hirshfield, a Professor of East Asia History. โ€“ Selected 8 Students from a large lecture class โ€“ Resulted in increased involvement from the class
  • 7. Team Exercise โ€ข Break down into teams of 6-8 people โ€ข Establish a leader and rules for your Circle โ€ข Have a brainstorming and problem-solving session to resolve the issue on the next slide
  • 8. Team Exercise โ€ข A Collegiate class on Statistical Analysis has a total enrollment of 45 people. โ€ข Average attendance is 18 students โ€ข The class consists mainly of lectures โ€ข How can the professor of this class improve the quality of this course and increase student involvement?
  • 9. Problems with Quality Circles โ€ข Inadequate Training โ€ข Unsure of Purpose โ€ข Not truly Voluntary โ€ข Lack of Management Interest โ€ข Quality Circles are not really empowered to make decisions.
  • 10. Summary of History and Practices โ€ข Quality Circles were first seen in the United States in the 1950โ€™s โ€ข Circles were developed by Dr, Kaoru Ishikawa in Japan in the 1960โ€™s โ€ข Circles were re-exported to the US in the early 1970โ€™s
  • 11. Summary of History and Practices โ€ข 1980โ€™s brought Total Quality Management and a reduction in the use of Quality Circles โ€ข Quality Circles can be a useful tool if used properly

Editor's Notes

  1. Number of members ranging from 3-12 people. They focus on specific issues to resolve problems. They generally meet weekly to analyze work related problems and propose solutions to Management and where possible implement those solutions. Members also tend to generate a mutual respect and trust as they work on solutions, which is conducive for collaborating as a team.
  2. Participation in Quality Circles needs to strictly be voluntary. If members are forced to participate, it does not allow for a conducive team building environment. The members of the Quality Circle set the rules and prioritizes/selects problems that will be approached and discussed by the team. All decisions are made by consensus, encouraging open communication. Organized problem-solving should be utilized, which would include brainstorming and cause-and-effect diagramming. This organized approach also prevents the circles from holding unproductive sessions as well.
  3. Ishikawa, when developing this concept always believed that everybody should be properly trained to use the 7 Tools of Quality Control: 1. Pareto Charts 2. Cause and Effect Diagrams 3. Stratification 4. Check Sheets 5. Histograms 6. Scatter Diagrams 7. Control Charts and Graphs He also believed that the circles should be empowered enough to see their recommendations through. Along with empowerment, it is expected to have management support. Many times Circles have collapsed due management lack of interest or interference.
  4. Quality Circles can be used in any organization, whether it is Manufacturing, Service, Health Care, Education, etc. They can be used to increase productivityโ€ฆas an example, members can develop ways to decrease lead times for products. They can be used to help improve quality of services as well as products. If there are issues, members can analyze the process and come up with solutions to make it better. This will improve quality and likely increase productivity as well.
  5. Hirshfield, selected 8 students for this endeavor and had them study the purpose and operation of Quality Circles and used the methods that they learned to determine the type and frequency of written assignments, the content of lectures and the method to be used for testing. The decisions made by the Circle resulted in change to the course structure and content. Some of the actions were the use of daily outlines , increased student participation in the selection of poetry and films used in class, and urged the use of contemporary analysis to illustrate the use of course material to modern problems. Hirshfield felt that Quality Circles are a valuable academic tool. It provided students with experience in decision making and problem solving as well as an increase in student familiarity with course material.
  6. Introduction into class exercise.
  7. Allowing a brainstorming exercise on a topic that the students are familiar with permits them to understand the theory better and so they can see it used in different environments.
  8. A lack of understanding what Quality Circles may cause management to be reluctant to initiate circles, act upon circle suggestions or being eager for quick solutions, may implement too early. Some circles are not given a clear purpose or direction. Without having a clear purpose it is difficult to be a productive team. There are times that members are assigned to circles instead of volunteering. Under circumstances like this, the employee at times is reluctant to be part of the team. Management loss of interest in the project that the circle is working on is also a hindrance in the success of the circle. Without empowerment and support of the management staff, circles will not have the resources provided to them to be successful.
  9. Brief History of the origins of Quality Circles.
  10. In the 1980โ€™s, the introduction of the new idea of Total Quality Management replaced a lot of the Quality Circles in the United States and was more successful. Circles can be a useful tool as long as the key factors in a successful Circle are maintained: volunteers, management support, and employee empowerment.