A Comparative Analysis of Statistical Process Control, Theory D, and Behavior Analytic Approaches to Quality Control

This paper describes Statistical Process Control (SPC) in general terms and describes a well-known management strategy (Theory D) that elaborates on the basic SPC model (Deming, 1982). Theory D and Behavior Analytic aproaches to the management of quality control are contrasted and research related to these methods is described and discussed. Examples of management problems are presented and solutions based on these contrasting views are described to illustrate differences and similarities. It is concluded that Theory D and Behavior Analysis utilize similar measurement systems and that both place responsibility for change on management. However, it is also emphasized that Theory D focuses on antecedent or system variables as the sole source of important causal variation in organizations, while Behavior Analysis focuses on system variables as well as the consequences of individual worker behaviors. Use of both of these approaches as part of an integrated strategy is suggested.