Leadership Styles for Deming-Based Management Systems

Abstract

Quality management pioneer W. Edwards Deming described his system of thought with a series of 14 points. Although his system was meant to replace traditional management practices, Deming failed to recommend a specific leadership style. Others have since attempted to fill the gap. This paper reviews several leadership styles, specifically in relation to the 14 points. Traditional management based in transactional leadership appears to be inconsistent with Deming’s thought, whereas a flexible leadership style, incorporating both transformational and distributed leadership, appears to be consonant with his 14 points. Recommendations are made for professionals who are interested in incorporating Deming’s system into their organizations.