What action should a new manager take to begin implementing Deming's "Fourteen Points"?

Implementing Deming's "Fourteen Points" focuses on improving quality and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within an organization. One of the fundamental principles in Deming's philosophy is the importance of involving employees in the decision-making process and understanding their needs and challenges. By asking workers how management can assist them, a new manager shows a commitment to collaboration and respect for the workforce, which is critical for building a culture of trust and cooperation.

This action aligns with Deming's emphasis on creating a system where employees feel valued and empowered to contribute ideas for improvement. It encourages open communication, leading to enhanced morale and ultimately better performance and quality. This approach also demonstrates an understanding that those who are directly engaged in the work can provide insights that may not be apparent to management.

The other options do not align with Deming's principles. Increasing inspections may create a sense of mistrust among workers and does not address the root causes of quality issues. Awarding contracts to the lowest price suppliers can lead to compromises in quality, which contradicts the importance of quality improvement. Increasing slogans in the department may lead to a superficial approach to motivation without addressing the underlying processes and systems that affect quality and employee engagement. Hence, engaging with workers to identify how management can be