Six Sigma: The role of goals in improvement teams

Kevin Linderman, Roger G. Schroeder, Adrian S. Choo

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

163 Scopus citations

Abstract

The tenets of goal theory have been well established as a motivation mechanism in the management literature. However, some quality-management advocates, such as W. Edwards Deming, often criticize the use of goals. This research investigates the tension between goals and quality management in the Six Sigma context. We find empirical support that goals can be effective in Six Sigma improvement teams when teams adhere to the Six Sigma tools and method. However, challenging goals are counterproductive when Six Sigma teams do not use the tools and methods rigorously. This research reconciles the differences between quality management and goal theory by showing that the Six Sigma tools and method interact with goals.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)779-790
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Operations Management
Volume24
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2006

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was supported in part by a National Science Foundation Grant NSF/SES-0080318

Copyright:
Copyright 2008 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Goal theory
  • Process improvement
  • Quality management
  • Six Sigma
  • Teams

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Six Sigma: The role of goals in improvement teams'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this