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Balanced work system and participation in quality management: applications in the community

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Abstract

Selected issues related to Quality Management (QM) are discussed, and applications of QM in 'non-traditional' environments, i.e., public sector and community environments, are presented. Two ergonomic themes are emphasised: balanced work system and participation. The case studies provide examples for how the ergonomic themes of a balanced work system and participation can be used to examine QM applications in public sector organisations and communities. Further theoretical development of the concept of community quality is necessary, as well as more research for developing and adapting QM models and methods for the community setting.

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Notes

  1. Some countries, like the USA, are much more advanced in the implementation of QM in the public sector, even if the benefits are difficult to evaluate.

  2. We acknowledge the importance of quality assurance systems; however, our discussion will focus more on TQM approaches in which the entire organisation is influenced and takes part in the quality improvement efforts (a systems approach).

  3. See Smith and Carayon-Sainfort (1989) for a discussion of positive and negative aspects of the work system. Positive aspects of the work system are those that contribute to the improved quality of working life (e.g., increased satisfaction and motivation and decreased stress and health problems). For a more recent discussion of the Balance Theory, see Carayon and Smith (2000).

  4. Recently, other terms have been used, such as empowerment and involvement.

  5. This study was funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) (Principal Investigator: Professor François Sainfort, University of Wisconsin-Madison, grant number SBR 9529900).

  6. This study was funded by the John Hopkins University's Center for Information Technology and Health (Principal Investigator: Professor Pascale Carayon, University of Wisconsin-Madison, contract #95-0004).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Industrial Engineering and Center for Quality and Productivity Improvement, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1513 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706 , USA

    Pascale Carayon

  2. RAND, 201 North Craig Street, Suite 202, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-1519, USA

    Marla C. Haims

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  1. Pascale Carayon
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  2. Marla C. Haims
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Correspondence to Pascale Carayon.

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Carayon, P., Haims, M.C. Balanced work system and participation in quality management: applications in the community. AI & Soc 17, 97–113 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00146-003-0249-y

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