Quality Policy

Quality Policy is nothing but corporate quality philosophy, essential pre-requisite for any quality system, starts at the CEO and must be available at all organizational levels. According to the Merriam-Webster’s Quality Policy definition:

1. Prudence or wisdom in the management of affairs

2. Management or procedure based primarily on material interest

3. A definite course or method of action selected from among alternatives and in light of given conditions to guide and determine present and future decisions

4. A high-level overall plan embracing the general goals and acceptable procedures especially of a government body

In simpler words: An organization should have a Quality Policy. This policy is meant to be an outward statement of its commitment to its customers and to the provision of quality products. The Quality Policy is a more abstract concept. It finds its practical and measurable expression in the Quality Objectives. The Quality Policy should be in line with the purpose and mission of the organization or company it is written for. It also should be understandable by all members of the organization, employees, managers as well as other stakeholders. The Quality Policy definition of ISO 9000:2000 is "The overall intentions and direction of an organization related to quality as formally expressed by top management."

Let’s understand by the help of an example of Quality Policy: “The Midwest Food Company is dedicated to supplying our customer’s standard products and a superior line of choice quality products under the Gourmet label. All of our products…”

Another example of Quality Policy: “The goal of the organization is to achieve superior external and internal customer satisfaction levels. Each employee’s commitment to quality improvement and management’s further commitment to implementation of supporting managerial and operating systems is essential to realizing this goal”.

One more example of Quality Policy: “The board considers the quality aspects of our business to be of great importance, as only products and services leading to lasting customer satisfaction safeguard the continuity of the company. Management practices and employees…”

Now what constitutes the ideal Quality Policy?

·         State the goal

·         State the reasons

·         State the means

·         State responsible personnel

Now next question comes where to get information, guidance and technical assistance? There are many professionally managed organizations from where one get all these things. Like the ECS Teaching Quality Policy Center provides information, guidance and technical assistance to state policymakers and education leaders who are interested in improving the quality of teaching. The center’s executive director, Charles R. Coble, is a former professor of science education and dean of the school of education at East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and has served as the vice president of university-school programs for the 16-campus University of North Carolina.