The Link between Six Sigma and Quality Culture – An Empirical Study

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to investigate empirically influences on quality culture development, with particular reference to a Six Sigma management programme. Questionnaires were designed to measure organisational factors, including the use of proposed cultural change agents, and relative quality culture development; 15 organisations of varying types were then surveyed. The Six Sigma group was found to have higher mean scores for all quality culture dimensions, and also had slightly stronger (i.e. homogeneous) cultures. Organisational factors having significant relationships with the development of a quality culture were found to be: demonstration of management commitment to quality, creating awareness of quality, training, employee participation, and performance evaluations based on quality-related criteria. Six Sigma organisations, on average, scored higher on these factors than did non Six-Sigma organisations; hence, it was concluded that a Six Sigma management programme may play a part in the development of a quality culture.