Strategies to Influence a Quality and Compliance Culture

Strategies to Influence a Quality and Compliance Culture by Betsy J. Macht MBA, Walden University, 2010 BS, The Pennsylvania State University, 1979 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2016 Abstract In drug, medical, and consumer products businesses, leaders should establish strategies that ensure production of quality products and drive profitability. Sales of defective or substandard products carry a potential risk of unintended effects on the consumer. The purpose of this single case study was to explore the strategies used by leaders to influence a culture of quality and compliance, leading to production of saleable products, andIn drug, medical, and consumer products businesses, leaders should establish strategies that ensure production of quality products and drive profitability. Sales of defective or substandard products carry a potential risk of unintended effects on the consumer. The purpose of this single case study was to explore the strategies used by leaders to influence a culture of quality and compliance, leading to production of saleable products, and business profitability. The conceptual framework of the theory of constraints served to guide the scope and data analysis for this study. Participants included ten individuals with a minimum of 5 years of experience at the study company, based in the northeast region of the U.S., in director, manager, and technical leader roles who participated in individual, telephone-based interviews. Additional data sources for methodological triangulation included observations during a tour of the headquarters site, and analysis of policies, procedures, annual reports, and publically available information. Data analysis included coding of the data and analysis to identify themes and patterns that identify the strategies leaders use to embed a culture of quality. The emergent themes in this study included: leadership, culture and habits, communications, and management systems and data analysis. The findings of this study may contribute to positive social change and improved business practice by providing tools and skills needed by business leaders to ensure product quality and business success. By consistently delivering quality products to the market, the organization builds a sustainable business where the community can benefit from a stable supply of jobs and the consumer from a reliable supply of products that safely meet customer needs. Strategies to Influence a Quality and Compliance Culture by Betsy J. Macht MBA, Walden University, 2010 BS, The Pennsylvania State University, 1979 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration Walden University August 2016 Dedication I would like to dedicate this study to my parents, brothers, husband, and sons for their support, patience, and encouragement as I worked to achieve this goal. Acknowledgments I would like to thank my family, including my “younger sister”, and colleagues and friends for their support as I completed this journey. I would also like to thank the Walden University faculty and staff who have supported me during the DBA process. In particular, I would like to thank my chair, Dr. Anne Davis, for her patience and critical feedback driving me to deliver the best work possible. I would also like to thank my committee, Dr. R. Dwyer and Dr. J. Savard; and Dr. Doron Zilbershtein and Dr. Ann L. Claesson, both of whom mentored me at critical points early in my DBA journey.