The Implementation of the Quality Circle by Selected Manufacturing Companies

Abstract

One of the most effective ways of solving problems is through employee participation in searching for the best solution. One organizational mechanism for worker participation in the quality circle. Quality circle is defined as a volunteer group composed of members who meet to discuss workplace and service improvements and make presentations to the management regarding their ideas (Prasanna and Desai, 1998). It encourages the involvement of the grass-root level employees in the analysis of problems, development of strategies, and implementation of solutions. The purpose of this research is to assess and evaluate the implementation and benefits of the quality circle by selected manufacturing companies in Laguna Technopark.

This study used the descriptive method of research. Survey questionnaire was used as a tool for data gathering and has the following parts: profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, tenure and position level in the company; assessment of respondents on quality circle implementation in terms of 1) Organizational Initiative, 2) Quality Circle Features and 3) Quality Circle Methodology; and the assessment on quality circle benefits in terms of 1) Improvement and Development of Organization, 2) Respect Human Relation and Job Satisfaction and 3) Stretch Human Potential and Capabilities. This study utilized a non-parametric test like the Kruskal Wallis test and Mann Whitney U test.

Based on the gathered data, the majority of the respondents were in the 31-45 years age category, with above 10 years of stay in the company, female and supervisory level. In Organizational Initiative, “Provide Resources Needed for the Quality Circle Project” got the lowest rating at 3.81. In Quality Circle implementation, “Membership is Voluntary” got the lowest rating at 3.35. In Quality Circle Methodology, all indicators are interpreted as very good. Based on tenure, respondents with 10 years and below experience perceived differently compared to respondents with above 10 years of staying in the company. In Improvement and Development of Organization, “Employee Retention” got the lowest rating of 3.67. Generally, the respondents perceived that quality circle benefits are obtained through good practices.

Extensive promotion on the quality circle was highly recommended to further encourage employees to participate in quality circles voluntarily. The management can make the quality circle competition an atmosphere of improvement at a low cost. It is important to motivate all employees for a successful quality circle project by showing strong management support. An increase in motivation also addresses employee retention. The organization should have a further understanding of the concepts and philosophy of quality circles.