Deming-based Lean Six Sigma stewardship

Abstract This paper describes the synergistic style of stewardship created by integrating the meta theory of management developed by W. Edwards Deming, the tools and methods of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma Management, and the administrative systems of the Japanese Way of Total Quality Control to improve the welfare of all shareholders of an organization: investors, employees, customers, vendors, regulatory agencies, buildings and grounds, the environment, etc. It is called Deming-based Lean Six Sigma Management (DBLSS). It also expands Dr. Deming’s meta theory of management by adding a fifth discipline which is the Theory of Communication. Its purpose is to spread DBLSS and any other new idea within and between organizations and people. Further, the paper presents a major change to the purpose of the Japanese Way of Total Quality Control by restating the purpose of JTQC from “improve customer satisfaction” to “improve customer satisfaction and employee satisfaction.” Finally, the paper explains that Lean thinking and Six Sigma Management are sets of tools and methods with no philosophical guidance to ensure they are used to improve the satisfaction of all shareholders. It clarifies that traditional management’s purpose is to optimize stockholder welfare, while DBLSS management’s purpose is to optimize all shareholders’ welfare.