Six Sigma: Definition and underlying theory⋆
用扎根理论方法，基于有限文献提出六西格玛的初步定义和理论，指出其与以往质量管理方法在工具上相似，但提供了新的组织结构，有助于更严格地控制过程改进活动并促进跨成员的问题探索。
Abstract Six Sigma has been gaining momentum in industry; however, academics have conducted little research on this emerging phenomenon. Understanding Six Sigma first requires providing a conceptual definition and identifying an underlying theory. In this paper we use the grounded theory approach and the scant literature available to propose an initial definition and theory of Six Sigma. Our research argues that although the tools and techniques in Six Sigma are strikingly similar to prior approaches to quality management, it provides an organizational structure not previously seen. This emergent structure for quality management helps organizations more rigorously control process improvement activities, while at the same time creating a context that enables problem exploration between disparate organizational members. Although Six Sigma provides benefits over prior approaches to quality management, it also creates new challenges for researchers and practitioners.