Page 281 - DCOM102_DMGT101_PRINCIPLES_AND_PRACTICES_OF_MANAGEMENT

Unit 15: Team and Team Work

15.4.2 Introducing Quality Circle in an Organisation Notes

Quality circle is a new concept and its introduction may cause some resistance on the part of the
employees. Therefore, before introducing quality circle, all precautions must be taken as in case
of any organisational change. The steps in the introduction of quality circle are briefly discussed
below:

1. Selling the Idea of Quality Circle: The workers must be educated the need and significance
of quality circle from the point of view of the organisation and the workers. The scope of
quality circle should also be adequately publicized. The workers should be allowed to
clear their doubts about quality circle. Attempt should be made to seek their voluntary
cooperation in implementing quality circles in the organisation. The management may
also arrange for some kind of training of the employees who want to form quality circles.
2. Constitution of Quality Circles: The employees should be encouraged to form quality
circles by drawing members doing the same kind of work. The membership of a quality
circle should not exceed ten to twelve members. The information about the constitution of
a quality should be made available to the top management.
3. Analysis of Quality Problems: The members of a quality circle are supposed to meet
periodically, say once a month. They would collect data and analyze the same. Past records,
employees suggestions, customers suggestions are very important in this regard. This
will lead to identification of the problems that hinder quality.

4. Problem Solving: The members of a quality circle will discuss the problems thoroughly
and make a list of possible solutions. The merits and demerits of each solution will be
evaluated. The final decision will be taken by the consensus of all members.
5. Presentation of Suggestions to the Management: The suggestions for improving the quality
are put in writing and forwarded to the management. Top management may form a
committee to evaluate the suggestions of different quality circles in the organisation. The
committee may also meet the members of the quality circles, if it has any doubt. The final
report will be prepared by the committee. It will list the suggestions which must be
implemented for improving the quality of goods and services.
6. Implementation: Proper publicity should be given to the suggestions of quality circles
which are being put into practice. This will motivate the employees as they will feel
importance of having contributed to well-being of the organisation. The implementation
of the suggestions should be properly monitored by the management so that the change
over to new methods is smooth.

15.4.3 Problems in Implementation of Quality Circles

There are several pitfalls in quality circles. Despite their merits, they have failed in many
companies. The common hurdles in initiating quality circles in India are as under:
1. Negative Attitude: The employees and even managers may have negative attitude towards
the quality circle. Naturally, they will resist its implementation. The wrong notions of the
people about quality circles should be cleared. They should be properly informed about
the concept of quality circle and its utility.
2. Lack of Ability: The workers in India have a low level of education. They also lack leadership
qualities. To overcome this hurdle, Workers’ Education Programme should be initiated. It
must educate the workers about quality circle.

3. Lack of Management Commitment: The top management may not be committed to the
concept of quality circle. The employees may not be allowed to hold meetings of quality

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 273