The Man Who Discovered Quality

Discusses the principles and theories of management expert W. Edwards Deming, assessing his impact on the international business world and the practical implementation of his theories in such areas as marketing, sales, finance, and production

Journalist Gabor tells the story of Deming, an American statistician and quality control expert who was invited by the Japanese to help them develop industry in the 1950s. Since then, Deming's principles--many the elements of the much-touted "Japanese management style"--have belatedly influenced American companies such as Ford, General Motors, and Xerox. Deming's view of quality is significantly different from that of Philip Crosby ( Let's Talk Quality , LJ 4/1/89 and Quality Without Tears , LJ 4/1/84), who stresses hard work and allowing zero defects, and Russell Wright ( A Little Bit at a Time , LJ 8/90), who looks to individuals to improve quality. Deming believes only by understanding and eliminating variation from work processes will managers have the knowledge they need to eliminate deep-rooted systemic problems. Given Deming's influence and reputation, this is a must for all business collections. A review of Rafael Aguayo's Dr. Deming: The American Who Taught the Japanese About Quality (Lyle Stuart, Oct. 1990) will appear in an upcoming issue.--Ed.
-Michael D. Kathman, St. John's Univ., Collegeville, Minn .
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.