Determining the essential characteristics of Six Sigma Black Belts: Results from a pilot study in UK manufacturing companies

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to evaluate essential characteristics of Six Sigma Black Belts (SSBBs) in UK manufacturing organisations. Six Sigma Black Belt(s) are considered as high potential employees who work full‐time as a leader of process and quality improvement projects after extensive training.

Design/methodology/approach

A pilot survey was undertaken to assess the key attributes of SSBBs. The results of this study are primarily based on descriptive statistics.

Findings

The key attributes of SSBBs identified from this pilot study include: effective communicators, change agents, customer advocators, team builders, results‐driven mindset personnel, positive thinkers, etc. The findings of this study will be extremely beneficial in designing the curriculum of SSBBs citing the key attributes required for a typical SSBB to be successful.

Research limitations/implications

The study was primarily focused on manufacturing companies in the UK. The next phase of the study will be to compare the SSBB characteristics between manufacturing and service organisations. One of the authors will also be executing semi‐structured interviews with SSBBs in various manufacturing and service companies to obtain a greater understanding of the essential attributes or characteristics that SSBBs in manufacturing and service companies must possess.

Originality/value

Although the characteristics of SSBBs are cited widely in various textbooks and professional articles, no empirical study has been carried out to compare the theory and practice. This paper makes an attempt to identify essential characteristics of SSBBs in UK manufacturing companies.

Citation

Antony, J., Douglas, A. and Jiju Antony, F. (2007), "Determining the essential characteristics of Six Sigma Black Belts: Results from a pilot study in UK manufacturing companies", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 3, pp. 274-281. https://doi.org/10.1108/09544780710745685