Abstract

[This abstract is based on the author's abstract.] Achieving sustainable quality performance gains following the introduction of production work teams depends upon the design and management of the implementation process. Work teams designed as an institutional form of substantive participation encourage creation and implementation of process and product improvements that accumulate over time. The actual quality performance trajectory for each work team is influenced by specific characteristics of the team and its production environment. These characteristics can be influenced by proactive management to achieve better and faster results.