Deploying Six Sigma practices to General Electric subsidiaries in a developing economy: An empirical analysis
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 5 February 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate Six Sigma implementation in the subsidiaries of General Electric (GE) located in Brazil and to explore the role of the quality culture of headquarters in overcoming common obstacles to Six Sigma implementation reported by other studies.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory survey was the basis for gathering data for this study. A structured questionnaire was developed covering issues related to Six Sigma implementation, such as experienced benefits, main outcomes, and metrics adopted by companies. Data from eight GE subsidiaries were qualitatively analyzed. The findings were discussed in the light of other studies conducted in Brazil as well as in other developing countries in the context of the role of existing quality culture in overcoming barriers to Six Sigma implementation.
Findings
The findings revealed that Six Sigma at GE subsidiaries achieved better results in comparison with the results obtained by other Brazilian companies reported in the literature. GE quality culture aspects such as top management commitment, high investment in training, recognition schemes, and development of a well-planned infrastructure were identified as valuable to overcome common barriers to Six Sigma implementation. Moreover, the findings showed a strong alignment with the goals and practices of GE headquarters, which is an evidence of the quality culture that exists in GE and that allows all GE businesses achieve benefits with Six Sigma.
Originality/value
Since limited empirical research has been conducted concerning Six Sigma implementation in developing countries, this paper aspires to contribute to Six Sigma body of knowledge by illustrating the practices of a world benchmark corporation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
First, the authors thank all those who contributed to carrying out this study, especially the companies. Nevertheless, this paper only reflects the view of the authors, and not the official view of the organizations. Second, the authors appreciate the reviewers for their great work and recommendations to enhance the paper. Finally, this work was financially supported by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and this agency should be acknowledged as well.
Citation
Schmidt, A., Sousa-Zomer, T.T., Andrietta, J.M. and Cauchick-Miguel, P.A. (2018), "Deploying Six Sigma practices to General Electric subsidiaries in a developing economy: An empirical analysis", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 35 No. 2, pp. 446-462. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJQRM-09-2016-0155
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited