Comparing Functions, Costs, and Rewards of Quality Engineers and Six Sigma Black Belts

The respective American Society for Quality (ASQ) Bodies of Knowledge (BoKs) for Certified Quality Engineers (ASQ, 2015a) and Certified Six Sigma Black Belts (ASQ, 2015b) are quite similar; yet anecdotally six sigma black belts are recognized and rewarded more highly than are quality engineers. While quality-engineering work is considered preventive in nature, work performed by six sigma black belts is in the realm of improvement, hence reactive. Thus, a dichotomy exists in that preventive actions, which are less costly, are not rewarded as well as costlier reactive actions. The intent of this research was to confirm or debunk the anecdotal evidence and determine the root causes therefrom. The results confirm the anecdotal evidence and indicate the need for further research. In addition, the results confirm the use of the Kano Model as applicable to the cause for rewarding this dichotomy.