Evaluation Of Problem-Solving Groups

Evaluation of quality circle programs is essential, since evaluation provides useful information for both group members and management, enabling them to maintain and enhance the performance of problem-solving groups. A model of group problem-solving behavior is described that divides the stages of a systems model -- input, process, output, and feedback -- into 4 subcategories: task, individual, group, and organization. This 16-cell matrix model was used to analyze 16 evaluation studies of quality circle programs reported in the quality circle literature between 1981 and 1986. An analysis of the frequency of each model category showed that most attention was paid to output variables and least to feedback variables. It is recommended that performance evaluations of problem-solving groups be performed regularly, using comprehensive evaluations that attend to feedback, input, output, and process variables and that supplement self-report data collection procedures with more objective measures.