A Quality Circle (QC) is a group of people from the similar work area, who join willingly to recognize, and work-area problems, evaluate them, and find solutions.

QC’s are small groups, varying from 4-15 members. Eight members are considered average. All members come from the similar work area and all the members work under a manager, who is a member of the circle.

Circles generally gather once every week to talk and resolve the problems facing them. Members of the circle obtain training in the mechanics of running a meeting, rules of quality circle participation, techniques of group problem solving, and making management presentations.

Circle members, not management, select the problems they plan to work on, gather information, examine the problems, and build up solutions. Management and technical specialists help circles with expertise and information, when asked to do so.

Benefits of Quality Circles

There are no monetary rewards in the QC’s. However, there are many other gains, which largely benefit the individual and consecutively, benefit the business. These are:

Self-development:

QC’s assist self-development of members by improving self-confidence, attitudinal change, and a sense of accomplishment.

Social development:

QC is a consultative and participative programme where every member cooperates with others. This interaction assists in developing harmony.

Opportunity to attain knowledge:

QC members have a chance for attaining new knowledge by sharing opinions, thoughts, and experience.

Potential Leader:

Every member gets a chance to build up his leadership potential, in view of the fact that any member can become a leader.

Enhanced communication skills:

The mutual problem solving and presentation before the management assists the members to develop their communication skills.

Job-satisfaction:

QC’s promote creativity by tapping the undeveloped intellectual skills of the individual. Individuals in addition execute activities diverse from regular work, which enhances their self-confidence and gives them huge job satisfaction.

Healthy work environment:

QC’s creates a tension-free atmosphere, which each individual likes, understands, and co-operates with others.

Organizational benefits:

The individual benefits create a synergistic effect, leading to cost effectiveness, reduction in waste, better quality, and higher productivity.

All these benefits are lasting in nature, which bring about progress over a period of time.