Quality in Piecework Pay?

[Kromkowski@aol.com]

It is unlikely that you, who do not have the power to control the system, can 
do much.

If you must stay, I'd start by learning and incorporating an understanding of 
variation via the proper use of control charts.  For example, prepare a 
control chart with the existing, so-called "quality control" data and then 
prepare a simulated a read bed experiment with the same average proportion 
that your company actually has.  With some persuasiveness on your part and 
luck, you might show how much of the employee to employee variation is just a 
daily lottery.

The charts may also help you find out that there are some people whose 
methods are worthy of investigation on one side and special help on the other 
side of the system.  And may lead the company (if you provide a concise, 
understandable and persuasive plan for improvement) to investigate by 
flowchart and cause and effect chart some of the systemic sources of problems 
that face all of the piece workers.

It is the understanding of variation by top management, that will lead your 
company out of piecework and into something better.

John David Kromkowski
Attorney at Law
6600 York Road - Suite 108
Baltimore, Maryland   21212-2028
Kromkowski@aol.comTelephone:  (410) 377-6248Facsimile:  (410) 372-0624
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