Hi
A few days ago, I saw a videorecording of NBC's 1980 white paper, "If
Japan Can, Why Can't We". I would like to separate myself from the outlook
that may not be as respectful of Japan as it should be.
My interest in the film was related to being interested in TQM and
having heard that through that film Deming's work began to receive a
hearing in the United States. In fact, I saw an account that said the day
after the showing of the film Deming's office was flooded with calls for
help :)
There's filming of Deming's congratulatory note to JSV Steel for
winning the 1979 Deming prize. He says something like, congratulations for
using statistics to improve quality and make the world a better place for
all men.
He also comments on the problems of American business trying to copy
Japan without knowing WHAT to copy. The notice that Deming's office
received many calls for help the next day also said that Ford and, I
think, Motorola visited Japan and couldn't figure out what Japan was doing
differently. Then they saw the film, and heard that the difference was the
focus on quality before quality appeared.
I found myself drawn toward joy through part of the rest of the day,
glad that Deming had been the way he's remembered now before he was
noticed and glad that he finally received some attention in his homeland.
It's amazing that for the most part "the Deming we know about" is the
knowledge he shared with American business after his eightieth birthday.
I'm not sure that I can draw a close relationship between his work and
the work of the learning organization. Perhaps one of his characteristics
so pleasing to the worker is that he began to dismantle the veil of fear
between management and workers and invited thoughtful participation of the
workforce. Once people realize that quality products can be the result of
their work, they say, wow, I want to learn more :)
-- Have a nice day John Paul Fullerton jpf6745@acs.tamu.edu