"Employee-Driven Quality: Releasing the Creative Spirit of your Organization Through Suggestion Systems", by Robin E. McDermott, Raymond J. Mikulak, and Michael R. Beauregard, published by Quality Resources (One Water Street, White Plains, NY 10601), 1993, 243 pp, $26.95 (list) A Book Review by Norman C. Frank, PE, CQE, CQA CER Corporation "Employee-Driven Quality" describes the current thinking on suggestion systems that relate to and merge with today's total quality/continuous improvement processes. The example systems are based on highly successful systems that include Honda of America Manufacturing, Rockwell Space Operations Company, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. The authors provide details on developing and implementing the system and describe the problems that could arise. Finally, the authors point out that the initial system will, because of continuous improvement, also change over time to a new and better system for your company. Nine chapters take you from the role of an Employee-Driven Idea System (EDIS) through recognition/rewards to success stories. Included are discussions of the "brainline" found in many companies, below which thinking is not expected or encouraged to take place. The recognition and rewards discussion is good, although gainsharing is not brought into the system until well after a system is established. If you are replacing an existing system, you may have to address gainsharing much earlier. A good discussion of the roles played by everyone involved in the EDIS includes the concepts of idea maker, idea coach, idea installer, and idea manager. Each is normally involved in the development and implementation of and idea and are given special recognition for their roles. To help people understand how to go about generating ideas the authors provide a brief discussion of over 25 continuous improvement tools that have immediate application to generating and refining ideas and their implementation. A glossary provides for quick reference of the concepts as you work within the process. This book is a good starting point for companies thinking about starting a suggestion program, and for companies with existing suggestion programs that aren't working as well as they should. ---------------- Mr. Frank has over 25 years experience in the field of quality, in the areas of nuclear quality assurance, research and development, and consulting. He is currently in Washington, D.C., with CER Corporation out of Las Vegas, Nevada.