From an upper management perspective, what has been the principal motivating factor in embracing six sigma?

The correct answer is A. Bottom line results. Upper management adopts Six Sigma primarily because it delivers measurable bottom line results - reduced costs, improved efficiency, and increased profitability - which directly satisfy shareholder and executive accountability. While defect reduction (C) is the mechanism Six…

Overview: Six Sigma and the Organization

Question

Options

ABottom line results
BMarket share growth
CDefect reductions
DCustomer focus

How the community answered

(30 responses)

A
93% (28)
B
3% (1)
C
3% (1)

Explanation

Upper management adopts Six Sigma primarily because it delivers measurable bottom line results - reduced costs, improved efficiency, and increased profitability - which directly satisfy shareholder and executive accountability. While defect reduction (C) is the mechanism Six Sigma uses, it's a means to an end, not management's core motivation. Market share growth (B) and customer focus (D) may be indirect benefits, but they are strategic outcomes rather than the principal driver that gets executives to fund and champion Six Sigma initiatives. The key distinction is that management speaks in dollars: Six Sigma earns executive sponsorship because it can be tied directly to financial performance on income statements.

Memory tip: Think "what does a CFO care about?" - not defects, not customers, not market share in isolation, but profit. Follow the money to find management's motivation.

Topics

#Six Sigma business case#management motivation#bottom line results#organizational benefits

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