Abstract
On the workplace in manufacturing divisions in Japan, small groups are organized of workers and a group leader. When a company implements a quality management system, these small groups utilized QC concepts and techniques to begin activities to control and improve workplace operations. This is the origin of QC circles. Since the periodical "Genba to QC" (Workplace and QC) was launched in 1962, it has been used as a text by companies to start QC circles, which spread nationwide and have produced great results. Thereafter, the fluctuations in the business environment have caused activities to stagnate several times, but each time the efforts of managers, administrators, and promoting staff have carried on the activities with appropriate guidance and assistance of the QC circle headquarters. In the approximately 50 years since the birth of QC circles, the continuation of the wholesome and effective activities nationwide is unigue anywhere in the world.
