Book 9: How to Change the World

Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas

After the presentation n the class and the cases where all the character have done something from their country as Social Entrepreneurs I remembered an example from the history of world.

Dr. W. Edwards Deming is known as the father of the Japanese post-war industrial revival and was regarded by many as the leading quality guru in the United States. Trained as a statistician, his expertise was used during World War II to assist the United States in its effort to improve the quality of war materials.

He was invited to Japan at the end of World War II by Japanese industrial leaders and engineers. They asked Dr. Deming how long it would take to shift the perception of the world from the existing paradigm that Japan produced cheap, shoddy imitations to one of producing innovative quality products.

Dr. Deming told the group that if they would follow his directions, they could achieve the desired outcome in five years. Few of the leaders believed him. But they were ashamed to say so and would be embarrassed if they failed to follow his suggestions.

Deming's business philosophy is summarized in his famous "14 Points," listed below. These points have inspired significant changes among a number of leading US companies striving to compete in the world's increasingly competitive environment.

• 1. Constancy of purpose
• 2. The new philosophy
• 3. Cease dependence on mass inspection
• 4. End lowest tender contracts
• 5. Improve every process
• 6. Institute training on the job
• 7. Institute leadership
• 8. Drive out fear
• 9. Break down barriers
• 10. Eliminate exhortations
• 11. Eliminate arbitrary numerical targets
• 12. Permit pride of workmanship
• 13. Encourage education
• 14. Top management commitment and action

Florian Shushku