This image appeared in the December 1982 Training and Development Journal feature article, "Is the Organization Ready for Quality Circles?" The Susan B. Anthony silver dollars were a big change to the U.S. currency and that is symbolic of the meaning of quality circles, which is planned change. The article examines the characteristics of a successful quality circle program, which will affect management decision making, strategic planning, financial management, product development, and labor relations.

Have you ever used quality circles as part of a change management effort? Did it work? Why or why not?

For more information about T+D, visit www.astd.org/td.