Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Erklärung / Español: Declaración / Português: Declaração / Français: Déclaration / Italiano: Dichiarazione

Statement in the context of quality management refers to a formal declaration that outlines the quality objectives, policies, and commitments of an organization. This document serves as a guiding framework for the organization's approach to quality and sets the standard for all quality-related activities.

Description

In quality management, a statement is a crucial document that articulates the organization's dedication to maintaining and enhancing quality standards. It typically includes the quality policy, which defines the overall intentions and direction of an organization regarding quality as formally expressed by top management. Additionally, it might encompass specific quality objectives, commitments to compliance, and continuous improvement strategies.

A quality statement ensures that all employees understand the organization's commitment to quality, provides a basis for setting quality objectives, and establishes a benchmark for measuring quality performance. It is often a part of a larger quality management system (QMS) and is aligned with standards such as ISO 9001.

The quality statement plays a vital role in fostering a quality-centric culture within the organization. It communicates the importance of quality to stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies, thereby reinforcing the organization's reputation and credibility.

Special Considerations

When drafting a quality statement, it is essential to involve top management and ensure that the statement reflects the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals. The statement should be clear, concise, and easily understood by all members of the organization. It should also be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes in the organization's objectives or external requirements.

Application Areas

Quality statements are applicable across various sectors and functions, providing a foundation for quality management practices. Key application areas include:

1. Manufacturing: Defining the commitment to product quality, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
2. Healthcare: Articulating the dedication to patient safety, care quality, and adherence to health standards.
3. Information Technology: Outlining the focus on software quality, user satisfaction, and continuous improvement.
4. Construction: Stating the commitment to building quality, safety standards, and project management excellence.
5. Education: Expressing the dedication to educational quality, student outcomes, and continuous improvement in teaching methods.
6. Service Industry: Defining the focus on service quality, customer satisfaction, and process efficiency.

Well-Known Examples

1. ISO 9001 Quality Policy: A key requirement of the ISO 9001 standard, where organizations must have a quality policy statement that outlines their commitment to quality management principles.
2. Mission Statements in Healthcare: Hospitals often have quality statements that emphasize patient care, safety, and continuous improvement.
3. Corporate Quality Statements: Companies like Toyota and Siemens have well-documented quality statements that reflect their dedication to high standards and innovation.
4. Educational Institutions: Universities and schools may have quality statements focused on academic excellence and student success.
5. Service Companies: Organizations like hospitality chains and customer service firms use quality statements to highlight their commitment to exceptional service delivery.

Treatment and Risks

Managing and implementing a quality statement involves addressing several potential risks and challenges:

1. Lack of Alignment: Ensuring that the quality statement aligns with the organization's strategic goals and operational practices.
2. Employee Engagement: Making sure that all employees understand and are committed to the quality statement.
3. Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating the quality statement to reflect changes in the market, regulations, or organizational goals.
4. Communication: Effectively communicating the quality statement to all stakeholders, including employees, customers, and suppliers.
5. Compliance: Ensuring that the quality statement and its implementation comply with relevant standards and regulations.

Similar Terms

• Quality Policy: A document that sets out the intentions and direction of an organization related to quality, often part of a quality statement.
• Mission Statement: A short statement of an organization’s purpose, identifying the scope of its operations and its overall goals.
• Vision Statement: A declaration of an organization’s long-term goals and aspirations.
• Commitment Statement: A formal expression of an organization's dedication to a specific cause or set of principles.
• Objective Statement: A detailed declaration of specific goals that an organization aims to achieve.

Weblinks

• allerwelt-lexikon.de: 'Erklärung' in the allerwelt-lexikon.de (German)
• psychology-lexicon.com: 'Statement' in the psychology-lexicon.com

Summary

Statement in the context of quality management refers to a formal declaration outlining an organization's quality objectives, policies, and commitments. It serves as a foundational document guiding the organization's approach to maintaining and enhancing quality standards. A well-crafted quality statement aligns with the organization's strategic goals, communicates its commitment to quality to all stakeholders, and provides a basis for continuous improvement and compliance with relevant standards.

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