A good collaborative technique of solving work related issues is that of a Quality Circle. A quality circle is a group of employees performing similar work, and who voluntarily meet on a regular basis to find out, analyze and resolve problems related to work. Usually, six to ten people with cross-functional representation form a Quality Circle.A Brief History of Quality Circles
After the World War II ended in the year 1945, the economy of Japan was devastated and its then Government took a vow to rebuild Japan's economy and state. In this rebuilding process, they called upon two Great personalities called W. Edwards Deming and Joseph Juran to give lectures on how to build economy with "Quality" as a strategy.It was during these lectures in the 1950s, the concept of Quality Circles originated. Later, this concept was spread across Japan by mainly Dr. Kaoru Ishikawa, a Japanese Professor at the University of Tokyo.
Key features of the Quality Circles
- Quality Circles aim to prevent work related problems
- Quality Circles are voluntary in nature
- Quality Circles are based on human building and interaction
- Quality Circles puts emphasis on participation
- Quality Circles need Top Management support
- Quality Circles are aimed at realizing improvements in Organization
- Quality Circles aims for better work environment and job satisfaction
- Quality Circles provide solutions to Organizational problems
Quality Circles Structure
The structure of the Quality Circles consists of- Members who are trained in problem solving and who identify and help solve problems
- Leaders who lead a Quality circle to meeting its objectives
- Facilitators who organize meetings and co-ordinate between Quality circles and the other Organizational personnel including Management
