Guide to Deming Management Theory

Dr. W. Edwards Deming's innovative quality management theories have greatly advanced the quality management process. Deming believed that inspecting and correcting defects after production was ineffective. He believed that, since it could cost as much to correct a defective product as it had originally cost to produce it, the quality issue was critical to address before production, rather than afterward.

Deming asserted that quality control issues arise from poor management. According to Deming theory, management's job is neither to assess employee output numerically (encouraging speed at the expense of quality) nor to inspect product quality after production, but rather to create a production process and company culture that encourage exceptional workmanship. Some ways Deming proposed to do this (from his 14 points of management) are these:

1. Share company goals with employees.

2. Drive out fear, create trust and raise employee morale.

3. Provide effective leadership.

4. Reduce conflict between departments.

5. Focus on quality rather than quotas.

6. Implement on-the-job training.

7. Work continually to improve quality and productivity.

8. Adapt to changing economic and industry needs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Build a thorough understanding of Deming theories and how they can benefit your company

Numerous websites provide valuable information about Deming theory. In addition to diagrams and summaries of Deming's principles, you'll find various videos and instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put Deming's theories to work for your company.

I recommend: The 12Manage website illustrates the Deming PDSA/PDCA Cycle, Deming's model for continuous quality improvement. The site also offers Deming's 14 Points of Management and his 14 Principles. These two lists can help you recognize the areas you need to change to put Deming's quality management theory to work for your company. The Deming Cooperative also offers videos and training materials to help you better understand Deming management theory. And ManagementWisdom.com provides an entire collection of e-learning course modules to help you thoroughly master Deming quality management principles.

Consult an expert to make the Deming management method a reality for your business

Consultants with knowledge and experience in the quality management theories of Deming can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: The contacts and consultants recommended by the Deming Cooperative provide guidance that's consistent with Deming theory, since all were friends, colleagues or students of Deming prior to his death. In addition, Langford International, Inc. offers consulting services, seminars based on Deming theory and other quality management products and information. Marcia Daszko & Associates also provides consulting based on her knowledge of Deming's theory.

Take advantage of tools and resources designed to help you make the most of Deming's theory

Widely available online tools and resources can help you more easily implement Deming's principles. Videos, flowcharts and links to numerous websites offering other Deming products, information and services let you choose the resources most valuable to your business.

I recommend: Management and Accounting Web (MAAW) provides various graphics of the Deming cycle. One is a helpful flow chart created by Francis and Gerwels which shows you specifically how to use the cycle to improve your company's business management processes. Deming Library videos from ManagementWisdom.com also help you apply Deming's principles to your business, serving as an excellent source of reference material to use in implementing your improved quality management program. This site also contains many helpful articles and links that you'll want to refer to again and again. And Curious Cat provides its list of Deming Connections, which link to various resources relating to Deming theory.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Never underestimate the value of Deming's management theory to your company. If your budget is small, take advantage of free information and tools available online and consider advancing to paid products, training or consulting services when they become more affordable to you.

The official source of Deming Management Theory is
the Deming Management Theory page at Business.com