9.3 Internalization of Quality Culture


An organizational value system that results in an environment that is conducive to the establishment and
continual improvement of quality.
Organizations that develop and maintain a quality culture will differ significantly from those with a traditional
culture in the following areas:
Operating philosophy
Objectives
Management approach
Attitude towards customers
Problem-solving approach
Supplier relationship
Performance-improvement approach

Activating cultural change
To attempt the implementation of total quality without creating a quality culture is to invite failure.
Several primary reasons cultural change must either precede or at least parallel the implementation of total
quality are:

9.3 Internalization of Quality Culture


Change cannot occur in a hostile environment. Total quality approach might be radically different
from what the management is accustomed to.
Moving to Total quality takes time. In a conversion to Total Quality, positive results are rarely
achieved in the short run.
It can be difficult to overcome the past. Employees might remember earlier fads and gimmicks and
characterize total quality as being just the latest one.


9.3 Internalization of Quality Culture


Establishing a quality culture:
Establishing a quality culture involves specific planning and activities for business or department.
Phases of Emotional Transition:


9.3 Internalization of Quality Culture


Steps in conversion to quality:
Identify the changes needed.
Put the planned changes in writing.
Develop a plan for making the changes.
Understand the emotional transition process.
Identify key people and make them advocates.
Take a hearts and minds approach.
Apply courtship strategies.

Maintaining a quality culture:
Establishing Quality Culture is a challenging undertaking for any organization. It is even more challenging to
maintain it over time.
In order to maintain Quality Culture, organizations must foster the following behaviors:
Maintain an awareness of Quality as a key cultural issue.
Make sure that there is plenty of evidence of Management's leadership.
Empower Employees and encourage self-development and self-initiative.

9.3 Internalization of Quality Culture


Recognize and reward the behaviors that tend to nurture and maintain Quality Culture.