A Review of Quality Circle Efficacy and the Existence of Positive‐findings Bias

Literature on the impact of the quality circle process upon both individual and organizational outcomes was reviewed and, on average, demonstrated the intervention's effectiveness. In addition, two moderating factors were identified and their influence reported. Finally, the potential for a positive‐findings bias was investigated, with no significant positive‐findings bias found. It is suggested that this bias may be an artifact resulting from the inclusion of “popular‐press” articles with research‐oriented studies. The implications of this finding and the existence of other threats to quality circle efficacy are discussed.