Inspired by the widespread interest in Six Sigma, Quality Digest surveyed 4,300 of its 75,000 readers, nearly all quality professionals, and asked them about their perceptions of Six Sigma and their experience with it. The survey also involved about 200 readers who were directly involved in Six Sigma programs.
The results of the survey are:
1. Of the 280 respondents, only 73 have a Six Sigma program in place. Nearly 90% of those, work for divisions of larger organizations, with 60% being part of organizations with more than 10,000 employees. Big companies therefore are more prone to go into Six Sigma initiatives.
2. Almost 62% of the surveyed companies that have been using Six Sigma have been doing so for less than two years.
3. Of the 48 respondents who answered the question, “Is it worth it?”– 38 reported that they have improved their processes and experienced savings; the other 10 either hadn’t completed projects, had programs that were floundering because they lacked management support, or didn’t have figures yet.
4. For the respondents whose companies have a Six Sigma program in place,
a. 71% agree that Six Sigma has significantly improved their organization’s profitability.
b. 49% agree that Six Sigma has significantly improved job satisfaction at their organization.
c. 59% agree that Six Sigma has significantly improved customer satisfaction at my organization.
The survey shows that done properly, Six Sigma does generate amazing results. One just have to really get down to business and avoid being carried away by the hype.
