Communicating “Responsible” Quality to Executives

Quality professionals are responsible for many important functions: making sure products and services are properly operating, reducing waste, improving processes and much more.

These are all functions that have been part of quality professionals’ roles for years. As we settle into the 21st century, the roles, while perhaps not changing, are certainly broadening—and broadening into areas that certainly wouldn’t have been anticipated even 20 years ago.

Social responsibility becomes a major source of change that is shaping the future of the quality professional. The connection between quality and social responsibility might not be readily apparent. However, a closer look brings the connection into view. We need to acknowledge that, over the past decade, more companies have recognized the benefits of social and corporate responsibility to the top and bottom line.

While this mindset is digging deep within the executive suite, quality professionals can easily address the need by becoming familiar with, and effectively communicating, the language of business. Quality professionals have a language, executives have another language. Translating quality and social responsibility into business language makes quality methodology and the professionals who use it daily all the more important to the organization.

Quality professionals stand in a unique position to assist, consult, drive, administer, and integrate social and/or corporate responsibility. Quality professionals are making an impact through the adoption of SR methodologies.

Social responsibility and quality do not need to be seen as completely different disciplines. The tools of social responsibility and quality can work together. Great results are achieved. Executives take notice.

The need for quality never stops. Nor does our responsibility to do good for our organizations, communities, and each other. Continue to use your unique and valuable skill set for good.

Reference: Quality Magazine