A THEORY OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT UNDERLYING THE DEMING MANAGEMENT METHOD

Abstract

In its current form, the Deming management method contains a prescriptive set of 14 points that serve as guidelines for appropriate organizational behavior and practice regarding quality management. Although its impact on management practice is clear, neither its theoretical contribution nor its theoretical base has yet to be articulated. A theory of quality management is proposed and articulated to describe and explain the effects of adopting a Deming management method. This theory is based on the conceptual synthesis of Deming's writings, literature on the Deming management method, observations of practice, and, more specifically, the results of a Delphi study involving a panel of experts on the Deming management method.