What is the definition of variation in quality management?

In quality management, variation refers to the deviation from a standard or expected performance. This encompasses the differences that can occur in processes, products, and services, leading to inconsistencies in quality. Understanding variation is crucial for quality improvement because it helps organizations identify the sources of inconsistency and manage them effectively.

By focusing on deviation from expected performance, organizations are better able to control their processes, leading to more stable and predictable outcomes. This is particularly important in a quality management context where the goal is to minimize unnecessary variation that could lead to defects or failures.

While fluctuations in customer satisfaction, adjustments in pricing strategies, and differences in employee productivity can all be relevant in various contexts, they do not represent the core definition of variation within the framework of quality management. Such aspects might be influenced by variation but are not synonymous with the concept itself.