Quality Circles,TQM AND HR

Quality Circles
A quality circle involves participation from a small group of employees doing the same type of work They meet regularly to identify, analyze and solve the problems that arise during the course of their work and their association with the organization. The basic objectives of quality circles are to develop and utilize human resources effectively, to develop quality products, improve the quality of work life and sharpen and utilize an individuals creative abilities

Quality Circles
There are different steps involved in the development of quality circles from getting started to problem-solving Communicating the importance of quality circles to the employees is of prime importance. 1. The next step is the composition of a quality circle 2. Then the stage of initial problem solving through which employee suggestions are presented 3. The suggestions are then evaluated and the best one, chosen by consensus, is implemented Various techniques like brainstorming sessions, fish bone diagram and sampling and charting methods, are used in quality circles.

Quality Circles
Problems arise in the implementation of quality circles because of lack of understanding regarding the concepts low education levels and training delays in execution and operational problems. Most of these problems can be resolved through effective training of employees and management support.

TQM
TQM is a management approach of an organization, centered on quality, based on the participation of all its members and aiming at long-term success through customer satisfaction, and benefits to all members of the organization and to society." International Organization for Standardization (ISO) TQM as a revolution started in the 1980s, based on the principles of statistical quality control for manufacturing processes developed by W. Edwards Deming It is also considered as the follower of Total Productive Management (TPM) at Toyota, Japan (from 1965) Motorola, Xerox and Ford pioneered its application in the United States

TQM
TQM focuses on group problem-solving which encourages employee empowerment by using job-related expertise and ingenuity of the workforce Cross-functional teams develop solutions to complex problems, often shortening the time taken to design, develop or produce products and services Since workers themselves begin to solve organizational problems, the division between labor and management gets blurred Adoption of TQM generally requires cultural change within the organization as management re-examines its past methods and practices in the light of the demands of the new philosophy

TQM
TQM programs have not delivered on customer satisfaction and productivity improvement Managers mostly view quality as a quick fix and are disillusioned when results prove difficult to achieve - It generally takes 3 to 5 years before TQM principles become institutionalized and some managers are unwilling to make such a commitment TQM initiatives seem to be effective when managers make major changes to their philosophies and HR programs Organizations known for the quality of their products and services strongly believe that employees are key to those results

Components of TQM
1)
2) Customer Orientation- The producer has the continuous goal of meeting the changed requirements of the customers Continuous improvement Through new processes or new product design-The production process has to be attuned and accelerated to meet the changing requirements- the requirements may even arise due to activities of competitors. E.g. Xerox Corporation Employees involvement- TQM requires improvement in the quality of work of employees through training and development. Through this, in addition to improving the quality of products, the cost of products will be reduced through efficient use of machines and materials and reduction of wastages

3)

Elements of TQM
Leadership for quality should be a basic strategic goal Leadership commitment-Top management should be totally committed to implementation of TQM

Recognition and rewards

Education and training Team work and employee empowerment

Elements of TQM
Feedback mechanisms-for both internal and external customers Statistical process control: Variation is the law of natureUnderstanding the nature of variations and estimating the capability of the process, help the organization to reduce the number of inspections and improve quality

Principles of TQM
1. Delight the customer-: a). Customer Satisfaction b). Internal customer are real 2. Management by fact-: a). All work is process b). Measurement 3. People-based management-: a). Team work b). People make quality 4. Continuous improvement -: a). Continuous improvement cycle b). Prevention

Phases of HR intervention in TQM : Formulation Stage

implementation Stage Maintenance Stage Review Stage Application Stage