Quality Circles

• Groups of production workers come together regularly to discuss problems/suggest improvements to the production process.
• Advantages:

  • Employees become more productive as they are given the opportunity to discuss issues and offer solutions which increases motivation and enthusiasm.
  • Information from workers doing the job is valuable to help improve production system.
  • Improves quality of product and reduce costs due to less wastage.
• Advantages:

  • Opportunity for professional development is motivational for staff.
  • There is no additional cost to implementing them as staff are already paid by the business.
  • Increases job satisfaction for employees, which can lead to loyalty and reduced staff turnover.
  • Communication between managers improves and can prevent a "them and us" culture.
• Disadvantages:

  • They can identify appropriate solutions to problems but senior management may fail to implement them.
  • Participants may not be adequately trained in problem-solving and team work.
  • Without proper leadership the meetings could degenerate into discussions about personal issues without solutions being offered.