A survey of 83 quality circle members determined that there was no single variable that consistently emerged as the most important contributor to the effectiveness of quality circles. Member training did appear to be stronger than the other variables. (JOW)

The two models in Florida's Educational Quality Benchmark System represent a new way of thinking about developing schools' work culture. The Quality Performance System Model identifies nine dimensions of work within a quality system. The Change Process Model provides a theoretical framework for changing existing beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors…

A case study of quality circles in an appliance factory found that circle members and nonmembers obtained better working conditions by improving quality through the direct impact of their work on the company's market position. The study of the quality improvement process shows that workers seek more than psychological rewards for their…

Placing Florida in the context of national developments, this article examines the quality circle (QC) form, problems encountered with it, and approaches used to address these difficulties. It analyzes QCs in the state's public sector and discusses the implications for QC programs. (98 references) (Author/JOW)

Used a quasi-experimental design to assess the effect of a quality circle intervention on behavior and attitudes of 88 employees at a large Midwestern organization. Results provide mixed support for the purported ability of circles to improve work behavior with no change for absenteeism and productivity but positive change for quality of work.…

A study with 206 federal government employees reveals that degree of voluntary participation in quality circles is positively related to following quality circle guidelines and that following such guidelines is positively related to economic gain. Implications of voluntary and nonvoluntary participation on cost-benefit outcomes is discussed. (SLD)

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)

The changes necessary for creating a quality school can best be made in a positive organizational climate because any real change requires the active involvement of people in the organization, who will not participate unless they are highly satisfied with their work environment. Such an open, facilitating, nurturing environment can only be…

Quality circles attempt to satisfy both task and personal needs through staff involvement in solving work-related problems. This paper summarizes quality circle theory, applies it to school settings, and suggests a framework for introducing the process to educational institutions. After briefly defining quality circles, the article presents two…

A model on learning that occurs in the workplace is discussed. Two theoretical frameworks are explored: multiple learning domains and action science. Four examples that reflect some of the characteristics of the new paradigm for learning in the workplace are included. The examples concern management development in a large business, a staff…

In all forms of workplaces administrators have been exhorted to introduce what are perceived to be the "best practices" operating in the more successful economies. The education "industry" in Australia appears to be no different in this regard from other industries. Invariably, the "best practices" proposed for the…

Quality circles (QCs) are small volunteer groups of workers who meet weekly with a trained leader operating to a strict code of conduct. They use techniques of brainstorming, cause and effect classification, pareto analysis, and presentation to consider work-related problems and recommend solutions to management. QCs have been tried in educational…

Quality improvement in the workplace via scientific techniques of research and training is discussed. Topics addressed include time factors, salient problems and assignable causes, informed observation, experimental design, study location, and training. Requirements for change in the workplace include: change in management attitudes and structure…

A survey provided a description of Internal Labor Market (ILM) practices across a sample of 694 U.S. establishments. An establishment was defined as a business address and was distinct from a company. Interviews were conducted by telephone. Findings indicated that about 35 percent of private sector establishments with 50 or more employees had…

The 1980s have been a period during which important private experiments with innovations have occurred in employee participation, work redesign, and the introduction of new technologies and new systems of production. It is now time to move beyond the experimental stage. The following four interrelated policy initiatives should guide public efforts…