Quality: American, Japanese, and Soviet perspectives

Executive Overview What is quality? Although product quality is recognized as a crucial component of international competitiveness, there is still little consensus about what “quality” really is. Five distinct approaches to defining quality have been identified. The contributions of five major quality experts—from the United States, Japan, and the Soviet Union—are presented and related to the quality definition approaches. The problems with poor product quality in the Soviet Union are discussed in particular detail to illustrate the consequences of relying on the product-based approach to defining qualify and on the use of state standards as a surrogate for consumer preferences. Advantages and disadvantages of the other approaches to quality are also discussed to assist managers in clarifying their strategic focus.