Should we focus our improvement efforts on improving the quality of what we do … or in improving the productivity
It doesn’t matter.
Productivity and Quality are inextricably linked. Improving quality adds value to goods or services which adds to the top line of the productivity ratio.
Improving quality through systematic analysis and investigation of both product and process also throws up productivity improvements.
Improving quality and productivity both require fresh thinking and innovation.
An organisation that commits to quality, of necessity, commits to productivity. One might even consider that one (a focus on improving quality) means improving the quality of what we do. The other (a focus on improving productivity) means improving the quality of how we do things.
So, go ahead. Do one or do both. You will end up improving your productivity.