Quality Circles (QCs)

Quality Circles (QCs)—also known as Self-Managing Workgroups or Quality Control Circles (QCCs)—have become one of the most effective continuous improvement and employee engagement tools in modern organisations. Their formal use began in Japan, with the first application recorded at Nippon Wireless in 1962. Since then, QCs have played a crucial role in Japan’s rise as a global leader in quality management, operational excellence, and world-class manufacturing by the late 1960s.

Join us in Japan from February 15–26, 2026 to experience firsthand how Quality Circles operate and how they drive organisational performance, innovation, and teamwork. This Japan Study Mission offers unique access to real-life QC activities and world-renowned Japanese Total Quality Management (TQM) practices.

Spaces are limited. Please contact me on +44 7884 008919 or email getkola@makewayglobal.com. More information is available at https://www.dhiqc.com/jsm2026/ or https://globalexcellenceteam.com/jsm2026/.

In Self-Managing WorkGroups: Quality Circles as a Vital Key to Participative Management in TQM, David Hutchins defines Quality Circles as:

“A small group of between three and twelve people who do the same or similar work, voluntarily meeting together regularly for about an hour per week in paid time, usually under the leadership of their own supervisor, and are trained to identify, analyse, and solve some of the problems in their work, presenting solutions to management, and where possible, implementing those solutions themselves.”

At the heart of Quality Circles is participative management—ensuring that employees work collaboratively with management to enhance quality, productivity, and efficiency. As part of their training, QC teams deliver presentations showcasing the improvement projects, problem-solving tools, and data-driven methods they have applied.

Across Japan and Asia, Quality Circle Conventions are held regularly. Independent judges evaluate how effectively participants use root cause analysis, process improvement tools, and Lean problem-solving techniques. I have served as a judge for several organisations in Europe and Asia, and it is truly inspiring to witness how QCs transform workplaces and empower employees.

Winners from organisational competitions progress to regional, national, and even international levels. The prestigious International Convention for Quality Control Circles (ICQCC)—often called the “Quality Olympics”—has taken place almost every year since 1976 across the Asia-Pacific region. The most recent gathering was held from November 3–6, 2025, in Taipei, Taiwan.

You now have the opportunity to experience a Quality Circle Convention in person by joining our next Japan Study Mission (February 15–26, 2026). Spaces are limited, so please contact me on +44 7884 008919 or getkola@makewayglobal.com. For full details, visit https://www.dhiqc.com/jsm2026/ or https://globalexcellenceteam.com/jsm2026/.

KOLA OLUTIMEHIN is an international Business Transformation Consultant with extensive expertise in Japanese-style TQM, including Hoshin Kanri, Quality Circles, and continuous improvement systems. Together with David Hutchins, he has facilitated transformation programmes across several continents and co-leads the annual Japan Study Mission, welcoming participants from around the world.

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