Quality Management Principles: Part 2
The quality management system standards of ISO 9000:2008 series are based on eight quality management principles. These principles can be used by senior management as a framework to guide their organizations towards improved performance.
This is the second of eight articles which provide a general perspective on these quality management principles , each giving an overview of one of these principles and showing how they can be applied to form a basis for performance improvement and organizational excellence.
Principle 2: Leadership
Leaders establish unity of purpose and direction of the organization. They should create and maintain the internal environment in which people can become fully involved in achieving the organization's objectives.
How to apply the principle:
Establish a clear vision of the organisation's future, taking into account the needs of all interested parties including customers, owners, employees, suppliers, financiers, local communities and society as a whole.
Ensure clear accountabilities and responsibilities are defined, and ensure staff are given the authority, support, training and resources they need to perform their role.
Set challenging goals and targets throughout the organisation that support business objectives.
Create a fair and ethical working environment, and inspire by encouraging and recognising staff contributions.
Key benefits:
Staff will understand the organisation's goals and objectives, and how they contribute to the organisation's success.
Activities will be evaluated, aligned and implemented in a unified way.
Good communication between levels of the organisation will be developed and miscommunication eliminated.
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