According to Deming, what should be the foundation for creating a competitive business?

Deming emphasized the importance of a consistent approach to improvement as a central pillar for developing a competitive business. His philosophy highlighted that organizations need a clear, strategic direction focused on long-term goals rather than short-term wins. This includes fostering a culture that consistently seeks quality enhancements and process improvements across all areas of the organization.

By ensuring a shared purpose towards continual improvement, businesses can create an environment that encourages innovation and engagement among employees. This consistency helps organizations to adapt to changes, meet customer needs more effectively, and maintain high standards of quality, ultimately leading to sustained competitive advantages in the market.

In contrast, while having diverse product lines, implementing employee satisfaction programs, and maximizing market share can be beneficial strategies, they do not form the foundational framework that supports long-term improvement and resilience in the face of industry changes, as emphasized by Deming.