Process of creating organizational capability through the transfer of Quality Circles

Comparative study of Japanese companies in China

Abstract

This study presents the ideal types of processes to transfer Quality Circles to China by focusing on four transformative steps in work organization structure and hypothetically demonstrating the relationship between structural elements of each model. Thereafter, a comparative analysis is conducted using field survey data collected from three Japanese companies. Then, the validity of the logic between elements shown in the model is verified. Companies that proceeded according to the ideal processes proved to be exemplary in creating strong organizational capability and in having processes to accept successful Quality Circles, suggesting its theoretical and practical significance.