Quality Circles let's try to make it work

It is often said of Britain that we are good at two things — having good ideas, and then in failing to use them! Although the idea of Quality Circles was not originally British (it is said to have been American and not Japanese), we have in this country made some interesting developments upon the original concept. But are we really using those developments? Probably not. After an initial surge of interest, mainly within those forward‐looking companies who are always interested in new ideas, the rate of growth now appears to be declining. A recent NEDO‐sponsored (free) meeting on the topic was attended by only half the numbers expected. A one day appreciation session promoted by a major Polytechnic was cancelled through lack of support. Perhaps we should examine both these aspects, that of development and of lack of interest and see if there are any links.