Method and context perspectives on learning and knowledge creation in quality management

Abstract This research develops a framework of learning and knowledge‐based quality improvement by integrating the two perspectives of learning and knowledge creation. One perspective focuses on adhering to a prescribed methodology while the other emphasizes managing the context. By conceptualizing a comprehensive quality program as comprising basic contextual and methodological elements, we develop theoretically how a comprehensive quality program such as Six Sigma can produce dissimilar types of learning and knowledge, and how a quality advantage can become more sustainable.