A quality management system for good and socially responsible business.
With the increasing pressure on efficiency and costs, we see the attention of quality management evaporate. As if it were a luxury, those organizations could hardly afford to keep at least an existing certification. While an efficiently operating quality management system is just as important today as ever before.
The basis
The basis for a quality management system is to make work processes clear in relation to the output (customer service), the effort to be provided, and other resources (money for example) and content quality aspects for the customer and the staff. That transparency, plus and then controllable compliance with what has been specified, provides reliable and certifiable service on a basic basis for financing and customer trust.
At the same time, there is a basis for critical review of the efficiency of those work processes. Are there “lean” terms of “waste”, waste of energy on issues that do not contribute to the customer and the quality to be delivered? Are quality and effort in balance? A quality management system is not ‘complete’ after certification, but must constantly be used for continuous improvement of efficiency, customer satisfaction and quality.
Luxurious
And for those who still find it quite luxurious: it provides a basis for communicating with clients or financing about that balance and reasoned counterweight of pressure to work under the cost price, for example. An organization that has its quality management system in order and insight into its processes is so many times stronger against cuts and irresponsible financiers.
Finally, let’s not forget the staff. Insightful work processes that focus on client and staff interests contribute to motivation and productivity, lower absenteeism and better self-responsibility in the workplace – to self-governing teams.
In short: an efficient quality management system (supported by a good planning / control cycle and a risk management system) is the basis for healthy and socially sustainable business management.
This article has been written by Jantina van Rossum of iConact.
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