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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 779-790 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Operations Management |
Volume | 24 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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