An Evaluation of the Effect of a Quality Circle Intervention on Attitudinal Variables in Three DoD Organizations.
Abstract
Quality Circles (QC) have received considerable attention in both DOD and the private sector as a means of enhancing productivity and promoting human resource development. In contrast to the numerous subjective reports attesting to the effectiveness of this organizational intervention, very few empirical studies have been undertaken to objectively portray QC impact on the organization. This thesis employed a non-equivalent control group design to assess the impact of a QC intervention at an Air Force base in the western United States. The study sought to measure the effects of the QC intervention on seven attitudinal variables: job involvement, participation in decision making, group cohesiveness, and intent to remain. Statistical analyses, including mean differences analysis and hierarchical regression analysis, revealed no systematic QC effect on these variables. This thesis replicated the results of similarly-designed studies which also attempted to measure QC impact via attitudinal variables. It is recommended that DOD continue its efforts to empirically measure QC effectiveness, and that future studies expand their scope beyond the investigation o attitudinal outcomes. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1984
- Accession Number
- ADA147728
Entities
People
- P. A. Blatchley
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology