Who believed that the system had more impact on quality than the individuals operating within it?

W. Edwards Deming is widely recognized for his philosophy that emphasizes the importance of systems and processes in achieving quality. He argued that the majority of quality issues can be traced back to the systems in which individuals operate, rather than the individuals themselves. This belief is fundamentally tied to his concepts of Total Quality Management (TQM) and the system of profound knowledge, where he highlighted the need for organizations to focus on the overall system, including work processes and management practices, to foster continuous improvement.

Deming’s assertion underscores the idea that organizational culture, structure, and processes have a far greater influence on quality outcomes than the actions of individual employees. By improving these systems, organizations can achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency. This stands in contrast to the views of others in the field, who may emphasize personal accountability or the skill level of individuals as primary factors in quality management.

Understanding Deming's impact and philosophy is crucial for anyone studying quality improvement and management, as it sets the foundation for many contemporary practices in quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies.