Zero-defects mentality

A zero-defects mentality (also known as Zero Error Syndrome) exists when a command-and-control structure does not tolerate mistakes. This atmosphere is now widely acknowledged to be ineffective in both military and corporate life.

The results of a zero-defects mentality can include careerism, reduced motivation and stifled innovation. Soldiers or employees will feel neither empowered by their successes nor accountable for their failures.

Eliminating a zero-defects mentality is one of the primary goals of lean manufacturing, specifically through the application of Kaizen and Andon in the Toyota Production System.

See also

• Zero defects
• Zero tolerance (disambiguation), the civilian version

Further reading

• Thornton, R. (2000). Cultural barriers to organisational unlearning: The US army, the ‘zero‐defects’ culture and operations in the post‐cold war world. Small Wars & Insurgencies, 11(3), 139–159."

External links

• Related article by Mary and Tom Poppendieck
• End the Zero-defects Mentality