Gains that could be achieved through full application of Deming's total quality management

Abstract

In his seminal work, Out of the Crisis, W. Edwards Deming provided American corporations with a direction and method for improving both man and machine in an effort to transform the way in which these corporations performed and managed both service and industry functions. His ideas for statistical control have taken hold within the workplace and are becoming increasingly popular among managers and corporate executives who are intent on improving the bottom line. However, most companies have limited their incorporation of Deming's methods and failed to include Deming's approach to improved leadership and employee involvement. This study will review the human aspects of Deming's ideas and their convergence with an existing theory on employee engagement. Additionally, the impacts of employee engagement will be reviewed to better understand the potential gains that may be had by corporations when they implement Deming's Total Quality Management to the extent that he originally intended.