Quality circle concepts are associated with the Japanese industry. But would you know that this originated in the United States? The Quality circles had their origin in the United States as early as in 1950s. At the time of the second world war, when the Japan's economy was in doldrums, it was General Douglas Mac Arthur, the commander of the occupational forces took up the task of imparting Quality awareness among the Japanese to improve their product quality and reliability. The Japanese started realizing the benefits of this principle and dedicated started following them. By 1975 Japan was at the top in Quality and productivity. The principle is a rare combination of the Philosophy of teamwork performed in small groups, and the painstaking and persevering wok of the Japanese managers and the workers at the shop floor that made the results astonishing.

To understand how this works- small groups of 5-10 employees, many times from multifunctional areas, voluntarily met on a regular basis. They identified improvements in their respective work areas. Using proven techniques of analysis and decision making techniques, started solving the problems in a logical manner. They took help from others in the organization wherever necessary. They proved that the teamwork really excels.

The entire philosophy was based on people building, self-motivation, and improving the working environment without command from the top and without any monetary rewards. It was the recognition, and prestige that was important, not the monetary benefits. After all, money has its own limitations when it comes to motivating. The fame and the respect that these small groups got, was the key to the success of this concept. Individual prestige was not undermined in any way, since the individual's contribution to the team was always given the respect and regard. When there are individuals in the group who respect other's ideas and work in a team, the best of results are bound to follow. Thus the Quality circles become symbolic of team work and team achievements.

Dr. K. Venkatsubramanian , Management Consultant,
(Faculty, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Institute of Management and Research)