Concept Of Quality Circles - Essay Example

Quality Circle concept has three major attributes: a) Change in Attitude: The establishment of quality circles brings an attitude change from "I don't care" to "I do care". Also it brings 'Continuous improvement' in quality of work life through humanization of work. A Quality Circle has an appropriate organizational structure for its effective and efficient performance. It varies from industry to industry, organization to organization. But it is useful to have a basic framework as a model. The structure of a Quality Circle consists of the following elements. i. A steering committee: This is at the top of the structure.

It is headed by a senior executive and includes representatives from the top management personnel and human resources development people. It establishes policy, plans and directs the program and meets usually once in a month. v. Circle members: They may be staff workers. Without circle members the porgramme cannot exist. They are the lifeblood of quality circles. They should attend all meetings as far as possible, offer suggestions and ideas, participate actively in group process, take training seriously with a receptive attitude.

The roles of Steering Committee, Co-ordinator, Facilitator, Circle leader and Circle members are well defined. PROCESS OF OPERATION The operation of quality circles involves a set of sequential steps as under:1. Problem identification: Identify a number of problems.2 Problem selection: Decide the priority and select the problem to be taken up first.3 Problem Analysis: Problem is clarified and analysed by basic problem solving methods.4 Generate alternative solutions: Identify and evaluate causes and generate number of possible alternative solutions.

5 Select the most appropriate solution : Discuss and evaluate the alternative solutions by comparison in terms of investment and return from the investment. This enables to select the most appropriate solution.6 Prepare plan of action : Prepare plan of action for converting the solution into reality which includes