Question

Which of the following situations reflects the kind of fear that Deming believes must be driven out of the workplace?

a) Fear of innovation and change
b) Fear of taking responsibility for mistakes
c) Fear of expressing opinions and ideas
d) Fear of competition and rivalry

Answer 1

The kind of fear that should be driven out of the workplace according to Deming is the fear of expressing opinions and ideas, as it prevents improvement and stifles innovation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation that reflects the kind of fear W. Edwards Deming believes must be driven out of the workplace is fear of expressing opinions and ideas. Deming, a prominent figure in the field of quality management, argued that an environment of fear hinders improvement and innovation. It is essential for employees to feel secure enough to share their thoughts and contribute meaningfully without the threat of negative consequences. This aligns with his broader philosophy that management should foster collaboration, learning, and innovation, rather than focusing on faults and punishing errors. Thus, it's critical for a workplace to eliminate fear so that employees can engage in the process of making suggestions and taking ownership of their work, leading to greater overall efficiency and quality.