What’s a quality circle?

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Quality circles are groups of individuals who come together for the purpose of evaluating a particular operation or procedure, determining how that process is performing, and trying to find ways to improve that function. A quality circle can be used effectively in a business setting or as part of ongoing checks and balances within a non-profit organization. Quality circle members can be employed by the organization, be students at a local educational institution, or be consumers or advocates who have an interest in the goods or services offered by the organization.

In a business setting, a quality circle is normally a group of volunteer employees who focus on a specific aspect of the operation, such as a department. The group serves not only to evaluate the current quality of manufactured products, but also the efficiency with which those products are created. A departmental supervisor who acts as a leader and facilitator for the group can lead the circle of quality. It is not unusual for the circle to elect a team leader who serves as a liaison between the group and management.

As part of its responsibilities, a quality circle will identify and analyze each aspect of the area under review, making it a point to identify both the strengths and weaknesses that team members see in the current process. This allows the circle to effectively brainstorm potential changes or improvements that would help minimize or eliminate these weaknesses without having any sort of negative impact on those qualities identified as strengths. In general, no aspect of the functions under consideration is exempt from investigation and evaluation, including management processes, raw material selection or even the packaging and storage of finished products.

A quality circle can also be used effectively in other settings. Non-profit organizations may offer supporters the opportunity to meet regularly to evaluate fundraising or public outreach projects run by the entity. In educational institutions, a quality circle can provide valuable insights and suggestions regarding the structuring of a degree program, the organization of a university department, or suggestions for possible future class electives. In any context, the ultimate goal of the quality circle is to identify improvements that will help the organization continue to grow and move closer to realizing its objectives.

Using a quality circle within an organization can often help identify small problems that are difficult to see otherwise. Drawing on the experience of group members allows not only to identify problems that should be addressed, but also to develop solutions for those problems. Often, this process allows circle members to increase their sense of belonging and investment in the company or institution and to feel that they are making a positive contribution to the organization.

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