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This article is an attempt to increase knowledge of the best conditions for application of a programme of quality circles. It suggests that before applying such a programme, the top management team must clarify: the purpose of application, the ways to use the circles, and analyse the organisational characteristics, especially the organisation culture. The search for such coherency will contribute to the success of the programme.

The importance of training in the implementation of a quality programme is well known. Training is needed to improve ability, to learn new techniques, and to stimulate involvement in the goals and objectives of the firm. Presents some of the results of a study made of a sample of 44 small firms in Valencia, on the Mediterranean coast of Spain. The research has shown what specific characteristics and obstacles training for quality has encountered in these firms. The narrow focus of the majority of these quality programmes was an obstacle to overcoming resistance to change and lack of interest, problems which were frequently encountered. The research also detected a relationship between participative management and the training of managers for quality.