A Perspective on Quality Activities in American Firms

Dr. Kano reviews the progress of the American quality movement as seen through his experiences with American companies over the last fifteen years. He identifies the movement9s strengths and weaknesses and compares its development to that of the Japanese quality movement. In particular, he elaborates the appeal of management by policy (hoshin kanri) to Americans and describes the specific characteristics of its development in American firms. Overall, although progress may be described as slow and uneven, he finds considerable cause for optimism about the progress of selected American firms and industries.