A zero-defects mentality (also known as Zero Error Syndrome) exists when a command-and-control structure does not tolerate mistakes. This atmosphere is now widely acknowledged to be ineffective in both military and corporate life.
The results of a zero-defects mentality can include careerism, reduced motivation and stifled innovation. Soldiers or employees will feel neither empowered by their successes nor accountable for their failures.
Eliminating a zero-defects mentality is one of the primary goals of lean manufacturing, specifically through the application of Kaizen and Andon in the Toyota Production System.
See also
- Zero defects
- Zero tolerance (disambiguation), the civilian version
References
Further reading
- Thornton, R. (2000). Cultural barriers to organisational unlearning: The US army, the ‘zero‐defects’ culture and operations in the post‐cold war world. Small Wars & Insurgencies, 11(3), 139–159."
External links
- Related article by Mary and Tom Poppendieck
- End the Zero-defects Mentality