Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT one of Deming's 14 Points?

1. Drive out fear / Create trust

2. Improve constantly

3. Increase competition among employees

4. Institute Leadership

The correct answer is: Increase competition among employees

Deming's 14 Points for Management emphasize collaboration, continuous improvement, and fostering a supportive work environment to enhance quality and productivity. One of the key principles is the idea of driving out fear and creating trust within an organization. This point underscores the importance of a safe workplace where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute and share ideas without the fear of reprisal. Another critical aspect of Deming's philosophy is his focus on constant improvement. By fostering a culture of continual refinement and development, organizations can enhance their processes and outputs systematically. Furthermore, leadership plays a crucial role in Deming’s principles. He advocates for a different approach to leadership that focuses on coaching, mentoring, and supporting employees instead of controlling or forcing competition among them. The option that does not align with Deming's principles is the notion of increasing competition among employees. Deming believed that competition could be detrimental to cooperation and teamwork, stifling innovation and the sharing of knowledge that fosters improvement. By emphasizing collaboration over competition, organizations can ensure a more effective and harmonious working environment, leading to sustained growth and quality enhancement.