An historical examination of early "Believers" in the quality management movement: the Shaker example

• Published in: TQM magazine Vol. 12; no. 1; pp. 37 - 52
• Main Authors: Phillips Carson, Paula, Lanier, Patricia A, Carson, Kerry David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bedford MCB UP Ltd 01-02-2000; Emerald Group Publishing Limited
• Subjects: 19th century; Analogies; Christianity; Communities; Cooperation; Daughters; History; Investigations; Management; Management science; Philosophy; Quakers; Quality; Quality control; Quality management; Religion; Religious movements; Religious persecution; Religious sects; Rotating; Shakers; Society; Spirituality; Total quality; Total quality management; USA; Women; Religion; USA; History; Quality
• ISSN: 0954-478X; 1754-2731; 1758-6887; 1754-274X
• DOI: 10.1108/09544780010308029

Through the application of Hirst's "forms of knowledge" theory, it is shown that the Shakers' nineteenth century management principles had many similarities to Deming's tenets. For example, Shakers were committed to perfection in work, taking their time in pursuit of quality. Training was accomplished through sharing community expertise, apprenticing, and rotating jobs. Also, equality and cooperation were encouraged among the "brothers" and "sisters." This example of management history research provides a baseline from which management concepts can be understood and potential mistakes avoided.