Six Sigma: Definition and underlying theory⋆
Roger G. Schroeder
Curtis L. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA
Search for more papers by this authorKevin Linderman
Curtis L. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA
Tel.: +1 612 626 8632.
Search for more papers by this authorCharles Liedtke
Strategic Improvement Systems, LLC Excelsior, MN, USA
Tel.: +1 952 380 0778.
Search for more papers by this authorAdrian S. Choo
Lally School of Management and Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA
Tel.: +1 518 276 3338.
Search for more papers by this authorRoger G. Schroeder
Curtis L. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA
Search for more papers by this authorKevin Linderman
Curtis L. Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, USA
Tel.: +1 612 626 8632.
Search for more papers by this authorCharles Liedtke
Strategic Improvement Systems, LLC Excelsior, MN, USA
Tel.: +1 952 380 0778.
Search for more papers by this authorAdrian S. Choo
Lally School of Management and Technology, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA
Tel.: +1 518 276 3338.
Search for more papers by this authorAbstract
Six Sigma has been gaining momentum in industry; however, academics have conducted little research on this emerging phenomenon. Understanding Six Sigma first requires providing a conceptual definition and identifying an underlying theory. In this paper we use the grounded theory approach and the scant literature available to propose an initial definition and theory of Six Sigma. Our research argues that although the tools and techniques in Six Sigma are strikingly similar to prior approaches to quality management, it provides an organizational structure not previously seen. This emergent structure for quality management helps organizations more rigorously control process improvement activities, while at the same time creating a context that enables problem exploration between disparate organizational members. Although Six Sigma provides benefits over prior approaches to quality management, it also creates new challenges for researchers and practitioners.
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