An Empirical Study on Associations among Learning Organization, Suggestion Activities, and Six Sigma Performance

This study conducts an empirical analysis of how the suggestion activity, most widely used in quality control activities, interacts with the dimensions of learning organizations. The study also attempts to analyze the results of Six Sigma based on sub-dimensions of learning organizations, which are infrastructure, culture and system. In order for learning and innovation to take place in implementing a Six Sigma program, the organizational infrastructure and culture are created and sustained and then, a learning organization system would become effective. In this study, a empirical model is used to demonstrate such an association. The sample consists of 134 organizations who have implemented a Six Sigma program for more than three years. Using the version 16.0 of AMOS for structural equation modeling, the study estimates the structural equation model that has a Six Sigma organization's infrastructure, culture and system as independent constructs, the suggestion system as a mediator, and the performance of Six Sigma projects as a dependent construct.