Theory C: the near future of quality management

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an idea on the next step in quality management, based on the experiences of the last 100 years.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review has been undertaken on the history of quality management so far and on trends for the near future. Based on these findings a model has been designed to describe different elements of quality management. A focus is on the human aspects, like vision on the employee, roles of the quality manager and the skills required.

Findings

After the control, continuous improvement and commitment paradigm the time has come for a new paradigm based on the importance of the context.

Originality/value

The paper provides more insight into the near future of quality management in times of emergent change.

Citation

van Kemenade, E. (2014), "Theory C: the near future of quality management", The TQM Journal, Vol. 26 No. 6, pp. 650-657. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-12-2013-0133