The relationship between quality and productivity: A new perspective

Abstract

Today's economic climate characterised by increasing competition and structural turbulence will require a higher combined level of productivity and quality than has been the case in the past. This paper has demonstrated the interlinkages among quality and productivity, and for this purpose, similarities of the two important concepts have been reviewed. Major quality factors, which are the possible sources for poor/high productivity have been introduced, and finally, some advanced models have been presented and developed in which, the direct and indirect relationships between quality and productivity are addressed. This study has also highlighted the fact that improving quality plays a fundamental role in increasing operations productivity in organisations. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.