En route to TQM: organizational learning through quality circles

Abstract

Explains why companies wishing to make the transition to TQM must address the issue of organizational learning. Also provides some evidence that quality circles (QC) can facilitate organizational learning in the quality context. Discusses three theoretical stages of organizational learning, and demonstrates how QCs can assist organizations in progressing through the first two of these. Explores specific aspects of organizational learning relevant to TQM, which can be effected through the medium of QCs. Concludes that QCs could prove a useful vehicle for initiating some of the changes and attendant learning which the transition to TQM entails.