Data from two surveys of manufacturers (325 of 650 responded) suggest that those with quality improvement programs jointly administered by labor and management achieve significantly greater improvements than those with no programs. Those with programs administered solely by management fared no better than those with no programs. (Author/SK)

Describes two Malaysian organizations that the government has appointed to spearhead the dissemination of the QCC (quality control circles) concept and activities: The National Productivity Center and the National Institute of Public Administration. The author also examines the basic concepts of the QCC in Malaysia. (CT)

Discusses the types of training programs the National Productivity Board (Singapore) considers essential to nurture quality control circles (QCC) and describes promotional activities organized to help QCC practitioners better understand the QCC concept. (CT)

The quality circle, a group of employees who meet to discuss problems and discover solutions, is receiving increasing attention in organizations concerned with quality, productivity, and morale. Based upon behavioral science concepts, the quality circle technique can be applied to a wide variety of work situations. (SK)

Formal worker participation schemes, such as the quality circles and related employee involvement schemes that have been introduced in 75 percent of Fortune 500 companies, are likely to have a lasting impact on the way many organizations work. In a majority of empirical studies, direct participation is associated with at least a short-run…