Selva Staub

Analyzing Management Style and Successful Implementation of Six Sigma

This study reports on the effects of management style in successful implementation of Six Sigma. The authors collected data using a 18-item survey, classified managers from a wide range of industry, healthcare, military, and services into one of two management styles using Douglas McGregor’s Theory of X and Y, and compared these classifications among the survey respondents to determine the level of Six Sigma commitment and success. Six Sigma is just one of many tools used to improve processes within an organization that requires management commitment. This level of commitment will depend on a manager perception of worker motivation. Despite an existing body of literature on worker motivation, limited research has been conducted that explores the possible connection between manager perception of worker motivation and the organization’s commitment and success with Six Sigma. The results are explored further in the article.

Theory X and Theory Y Type Leadership Behavior and its Impact on Organizational Performance: Small Business Owners in the Şishane Lighting and Chandelier District

Leadership style and organizational performance have been researched extensively. However, the literature has a limited number of studies concerning organizational performance of small and medium businesses, even less research on the impact on organizational performance of Theory X and Theory Y type leadership styles. In addition, minimal access to data on financials for small and medium businesses presents a challenge for this line of research. Regardless, research does show that small and medium business owners/managers are quite accurate when asked about their financials and growth. In this study, we focused on three related questions: 1) Do owners/managers who report increases in turnover for the last five-year period more likely to exhibit Theory Y tendencies? 2) Are owners/managers who report increases in innovations more likely to exhibit Theory Y tendencies? 3) Are owners/managers who report decreases in overall costs more likely to exhibit Theory Y tendencies? The research was conducted in the Şishane region of Istanbul, Turkey. This region, in particular, houses hundreds of chandelier makers and lighting firms, some of which even date back to the Ottoman Empire. Data was collected via a survey instrument distributed to 200 chandelier makers and lighting firms in the area. Data was analyzed through the SPSS statistical packet program and proposed relations in the model were tested through logistic regression analyses.

Logistics managers’ views of Six Sigma integration within logistics operations

Logistics managers are required to efficiently and effectively manage logistics operations. One of the tools they employ to meet this requirement is the integration of Six Sigma. This study surveyed logistics managers on the east coast of the USA to determine their level of acceptance of the integration of Six Sigma within logistics operations and to identify the components of Six Sigma that require modification for successful integration. The results of this study revealed that despite the management style (Theory X or Theory Y), 88% of managers believe Six Sigma is compatible with logistics managers’ roles and responsibilities. Furthermore, adaptation of logistics processes to Six Sigma requirements proved more compatible than the adaptation of Six Sigma to logistics processes. Also, the adaptation of logistics processes to accommodate Six Sigma had a significant impact on organisational savings and on successful Six Sigma implementation.