Quality Circle is a small group of employees who work-in same work area meet at periodic intervals to discuss work-related issues and to offer suggestions & ideas for improvements in production methods and quality control .

Basic Principle

“ Employee participation in decision making and

problem - solving improves the quality of work ”

Quality Circle is Group of employees

Work on similar area

Solve problems related to work

Improve production techniques

Improve quality

Started in 1962 in Japan

Kaoru Ishikawa is the creator of Quality Circles

Movement in Japan is coordinated by Japanese Union of Scientists and Engineers (JUSE)

In India Quality Circles is promoted by QCFI (Quality Circle Forum of India)

Operation of quality circle

• Problem selection• Problem analysis• Generate alternative solutions• Select the most appropriate solution• Problem identification• Prepare plan of action• Present solution to management for

approval

•Implementation of solution

Objectives Of Q C

Create problem solving capability

Build an attitude of problem prevention.

Reduce errors and enhance quality and productivity

Improve communication in the organization

Inspire more effective team work.

Increase employees motivation.

Develop harmonious manager workersrelationship

Promote cost reduction

Promote personnel and leadership development

Structure of quality circle

Top Mgt.

Steering Committee

Coordinator

Facilitator

Leaders

Members

Non QC Members

• 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.

• Co-ordinator: He may be a Personnel or

Administrative officer who co-ordinates and

supervises the work of the facilitators

Structure of quality circle

• Facilitator: He may be a senior supervisory

officer. He co-ordiates the works of several

quality circles through the Circle leaders.

• Circle leader: Leaders may be from lowest level

workers or Supervisors. A Circle leader

organizes and conducts Circle activities.

• Circle members : They may be staff workers.

Without circle members the programme cannot

exist. They are the lifeblood of quality circles.

Increased productivity

Improved quality of work

life

Boost employee morale

Enhances creativity

Improved teamwork

Employee involvement

Benefits of QC’s