Quality circles are small voluntary groups of 6-12 employees who meet regularly to identify and solve work-related problems in order to improve quality. They operate on the principle that employee participation in decision making and problem solving leads to better quality work. Key characteristics of quality circles include being voluntary, establishing rules and priorities by consensus, and receiving support from senior management. They were started in Japan in 1962 and aim to provide benefits like increased productivity, improved quality of life, and enhanced creativity.

1. 
By
NINAD CORREIA
Quality Circles

2. 
 Quality 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 proven techniques for
analysing and solving work related problems coming
in the way of achieving and sustaining excellence
leading to mutual upliftment of employees as well as
the organisation
Quality circle definition

3. 
 Are a method of continuous quality improvement in an
organisation by direct involvement of employees in
quality
 They operate on the basic principle that employee
participation in decision making and problem solving
improves the quality of work
 They are:
 Voluntary group of persons
 Meet on regular basis
 Work on similar tasks
 Share area of responsibility
 Solve problems related to work
Quality Circles

4. 
 Volunteers
 Set Rules and Priorities
 Decision made by consensus
 Organized approach to problem solving
 Members of a circle need to receive
training
 Support of senior management required
 Members need to be empowered
Characteristics of
Quality Circles

5. 
 Started in 1962 in Japan
 Kaoru Ishikawa is the creator of Quality Circles
 Movement in Japan is coordinated by Japanese
Union of Scientists and Engineers (JUSE)
 In India Quality Circles is promoted by QCFI
(Quality Circle Forum of India)
History

6. 
 Quality Circle is a form of participation
management.
Quality Circle is a human resource development
technique.
Quality Circle is a problem solving technique.
Three major attributes of
QC

7. 
 Brain storming
 Pareto diagrams
 Cause and effect analysis
 Data collection
 Data analysis
Basic problem solving techniques

8. 
 Increased productivity
 Improved quality of work life
 Boost employee morale
 Enhances creativity
 Improved teamwork
 Employee involvement
Benefits of QC’s

9. 
 Inadequate training
 Not entirely voluntary
 Lack of Top Management interest
 Unsure of Purpose
 Decision making does not necessarily
take place
When QC can be
ineffective?

10. 
 Cross functional teams, members drawn from
different departments
 IQC communication website- facilitates exchange of
experiences & interact
 Impart new tools & techniques through workshops
& courses
 Members can come from suppliers as well - wider
scope
 Leaders or mentor organization helping other
organization
Innovation and QC’s
(IQC)

11. 
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