Question

Please do not copy paste. Write in your language (500 words)

Q. Problems in quality circles

Answer 1

Here are the problems in the quality circles:

• Since the circle membership is voluntary in nature a member can leave the circle whenever he/she wishes to. These criteria may be practised to forcefully ask other members so that they come to his/her terms and conditions.
• The major problem is that selection of an issue or a problem which needs to be addressed may generate more heat and friction amongst the circle members. A strong communicator can actually force his/her idea making the relationship extremely stressful.
• Quality circle takes up an issue which has a lot of challenges and hence leading to waste of time, energy and effort.
• Since the circle members share the limelight and get recognition the departmental managers often extend less support.
• To fix up a particular time for meeting and planning it becomes difficult due to the variation and fluctuation on working demand.
• The quality circle can face an issue where they feel that the leadership & management is not taking the feedback and suggestions with a wholehearted approach and hence it can impact the motivation of the members.
• Another problem is when the quality circle feels that after a certain period it has run out of issues which basically means that the brainstorming process wasn't done in a proper manner.

Other Problems:

• The overall attitude towards the quality circle members is another big problem. The leadership and managers might not look at them with due respective leading to poor implementation. Hence the wrong notions should be clarified for the smooth functioning of the quality circle.
• The lack of expertise and ability is another big problem that must be addressed. The education and learning & development program should be initiated.
• The commitment and ownership by top management is another issue. It is possible that team members may not be allowed to conduct a meeting during working hours.
• Another problem is when the team members suggestions are not implemented and are turned down. This leads to negative team dynamics.
• Non- maintenance of the document and records, team meeting agenda is another problem of the quality circles.
• Communication gaps leading to synergy gaps is another problem area.
• Change of team management and leadership is another problem for quality circle.
• Resistance from the unions can lead to a lot of problem and a deeper understanding of the mission of both parties.
• Mixing up the quality circle with other techniques are other issues face by quality circles. The overall team and management must understand the objectives and advantages the quality circle offers.
• Apathy, misunderstanding and lack of trust amongst the mid-level management can have a deeper impact on quality circles execution.
• The quality circles running out of issues or solution to issues are other levels of problem.
• Another complication can be the language difficulty which can cause abruption in the entire communication process.

The overall activities and meetings being irregular also lead to bigger problems for the quality circle as they are not able to gain much-needed confidence and hence the importance is not allocated to the entire group.

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