W. Edwards Deming, quality analysis, and total behavior management

Abstract

Suggests that the origins of the importance of quality are primarily rooted in the awakening recognition of the influence of W. E. Deming (1982, 1986) in the post-World War II restoration of Japanese industry. A brief overview of Deming's approach to modernizing management methods is presented. Recent criticisms from the field of organizational behavior management suggest that Deming's approach lacks emphasis on the role of reinforcement. A different analysis of Deming's approach is offered and its evolution is related to the contingencies of reinforcement for the behavior of consulting. An example is presented of problem solving with Deming's approach in a social service setting familiar to many behavior analysts.