Quality improvement programs: Tools for international competitive advantage

Abstract

Abstract There is growing concern about the long‐run success of U.S. industries in the face of increasing foreign competition. Product quality is a strategic business issue. In an effort to gain competitive advantage, some firms are implementing organization‐wide quality training programs. Many firms have still to recognize the benefits of a quality orientation, however. This article examines how quality programs are implemented in organizations. It considers factors leading to success in developing a quality orientation and compares the Japanese and American approaches. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.