Quality Control Circles in Construction

Total quality control (TQC) programs have been responsible for improved labor motivation, production, and product quality in Japan. Quality control circles, as part of a TQC program, are a rather new participative management technique that merits study and analysis. A brief history of quality circles (QC) is given and QC program implementation is described briefly. The differences between manufacturing industries, where the circles have been originally implemented, and the construction industry are discussed. QC applications in Japanese construction companies are reviewed. and the cultural and organizational differences between the Japanese and United States construction industries are addressed. A number of guidelines are recommended for the implementation of quality circles in a United States construction company. It is believed that if used correctly and efficiently, QC programs can work in the construction industry and can improve productivity, motivation, and quality.