_______ believed that quality stemmed from "constancy of purpose," and that managers should stress teamwork, be helpful rather than simply give orders, and make employees feel comfortable about asking questions.

William Edwards Deming (1900-1993) was a statistician, university professor, author of texts, consultant and disseminator of the concept of total quality. His works introduced the new management principles into the Japanese industry, and revolutionized their quality and productivity.

During World War II, Deming taught American technicians and engineers statistics that could improve the quality of war materials. But his work was ignored.

He went to Japan in 1950, when his industry and economy was in crisis. He taught Japanese administrators, engineers, and scientists how to produce quality products and services. They listened and applied their principles. They changed their way of thinking, their management style and their relationship with employees. By following Deming's philosophy, the Japanese turned their economy and productivity completely to become the world market leaders.

Thirty years later, Americans seeing how Japan became an industrial power in a short time, sought Deming's advice. Back in the United States in 1980, Deming starred in a NBC-broadcast show titled "If Japan Can ... Why Can't We?" Thus, the demand for its services grew dramatically.