Dave:
Your own postings to this group have been enlightening, instructive and
insightful. I am happy to share what I hope will be some information
which can "pay you back" in kind.
The Center for Quality of Management (CQM) in Cambridge, Mass., has
promulgated among certain of its member companies a Self-Assessment Matrix
designed to help companies create a "footprint" of their company's TQM
implementation.
It is built around the seven elements of Organizational Infrastructure
(Goal Setting, Organization Setting, Education and Training, Promotion,
Diffusion of Lessons Learned, Rewards and Recognition, Diagnosis and
Monitoring).
The matrix has five stages of maturity: beginning; assimilating;
formalizing; innovating; and leading. By having member companies
contribute actual examples of their own experience in the process of TQ
diffusion/deployment/implementation, it is hoped that this dynamic
document will allow companies to get a picture of next steps in an
evolutionary process (a continuously evolving process, I might add).
Because the matrix is a framework for describing the stage of TQM
development in an organization, it is a template against which
organizations can measure themselves. One axis has the five stages
mentioned above. The other axis of the matrix attempts to describe
organizational performance/experience in four rough areas: activity;
involvement; focus/scope; and process.
The matrix is adapted from work done by Warren Harkness of Bose
Corporation with Russ Johnston and other members of CQM in New England.
CQM may be willing to share the work to date on this fascinating project.
Perhaps there's something in it applicable to your own situation. At
least it's "up your alley", Dave. You may perhaps find out more by
contacting CQM_Mail@cqm.com.
Best regards,
-- Barry Mallis bmallis@markem.com