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articles:how_diffusion_of_responsibility_destroys_quality [2020/06/19 11:27] – rrandall | articles:how_diffusion_of_responsibility_destroys_quality [2022/03/15 22:12] (current) – [How “Diffusion of Responsibility” Destroys Quality] rrandall | ||
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- | ====== How “Diffusion of Responsibility” | + | {{ : |
+ | ====== How “Diffusion of Responsibility” | ||
- | In the science of [[https:// | + | In the science of [[https:// |
In many organizations, | In many organizations, | ||
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* Drawings / Schematics | * Drawings / Schematics | ||
* Inspection Reports | * Inspection Reports | ||
- | * Certifications | + | * Certifications |
- | The more people who are required to approve (“sign off” on) on various documents prior to their release, the greater the diffusion of responsibility. This is a strategy (consciously) used by many insecure (or inept) managers to create a sense of “plausible deniability”. If a mistake is made, then the manager has multiple candidates upon whom to assign blame (in order to protect himself or herself from being held accountable). | + | The more people who are required to approve (“sign off” on) various documents prior to their release, the greater the diffusion of responsibility. This is a strategy (consciously) used by many insecure (or inept) managers to create a sense of “plausible deniability”. If a mistake is made, then the manager has multiple candidates upon whom to assign blame (in order to protect himself or herself from being held accountable). |
+ | |||
+ | ===== How does “Diffusion of Responsibility” Destroy Quality ===== | ||
As a QMS auditor, I’ve reviewed many released documents that had gone through several levels of review, performed by multiple people, and yet were released rife with obvious errors. In many instances, the reviewers lacked the qualifications (knowledge, skills, and abilities) to ever have been assigned the responsibility to provide any sort of meaningful review. | As a QMS auditor, I’ve reviewed many released documents that had gone through several levels of review, performed by multiple people, and yet were released rife with obvious errors. In many instances, the reviewers lacked the qualifications (knowledge, skills, and abilities) to ever have been assigned the responsibility to provide any sort of meaningful review. | ||
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Depending upon the job market, the frustrated “good” employees (who actually do the majority of the work) will often seek employment elsewhere. Upon recognizing that employees are leaving the company, incompetent, | Depending upon the job market, the frustrated “good” employees (who actually do the majority of the work) will often seek employment elsewhere. Upon recognizing that employees are leaving the company, incompetent, | ||
- | Countering the “Diffusion of Responsibility” | + | ===== Countering the “Diffusion of Responsibility” |
One of the BEST ways to counter a “Diffusion of Responsibility” is for management to assign accountability and responsibility to specific individuals. And, of course, actually hold individuals accountable for their performance. This is easily accomplished through the adoption and deployment of “Responsibility Assignment Matrices” (RAMs), such as the [[https:// | One of the BEST ways to counter a “Diffusion of Responsibility” is for management to assign accountability and responsibility to specific individuals. And, of course, actually hold individuals accountable for their performance. This is easily accomplished through the adoption and deployment of “Responsibility Assignment Matrices” (RAMs), such as the [[https:// | ||