Quality Circles originated in which country?

Quality Circles are a grassroots approach to quality improvement that emerged in Japan during the 1960s. This approach is characterized by small groups of employees who regularly meet to discuss and identify ways to improve their work processes and overall quality. The movement was significantly influenced by the wider adoption of Deming's principles of quality management, which emphasized the importance of employee involvement in problem-solving and decision-making.

Quality Circles helped cultivate a culture of continuous improvement in Japanese industry, notably contributing to the country’s dramatic economic recovery and industrial growth during that era. Companies like Toyota implemented these circles to enhance worker engagement, streamline processes, and ultimately improve product quality.

The other choices reflect notable contributions to quality management from different regions, but they do not have the historical origin of Quality Circles associated with them. Understanding this origin provides context to the significance of involving employees in quality initiatives and highlights Japan's pivotal role in shaping modern quality management practices.