In Search of Quality

Quality is one of those words that surrounds us, smothers us and, at times, threatens to overwhelm us. The word is used in so many ways that it risks signifying nothing at all. Yet, even if only in self defense, we must come to grips with its meaning. After all, how are we to improve it if we do not know what it is?
For at least a quarter-century now, many companies have embarked upon voyages of discovery with respect to Quality. In today’s incarna-tion of the quality movement, they typically sail off aboard the S.S. Six Sigma. They are in search of the meaning of Quality not just for their products and services, but also for their processes, their systems, their operations, their company, and their people. If they are wise, they adopt the view that Quality must be an integral part of everything they do. The history of some companies gives ample testimony to their commitment to Quality. Their continued success justifies their commit-ment. Most important, the future they face demands it of them. But, just what is this thing called Quality?
My research into matters typically begins with the words used to name, define, or describe that which is to be understood. Defining one's terms has always seemed such sound advice. Consequently, I have in my keeping several old dictionaries that I find useful in studying words and how their meanings change over time – or remain constant, as the case may be.