Released on = May 2, 2007, 2:06 pm

Press Release Author = iSixSigma Magazine

Industry =

Press Release Summary = iSixSigma Magazine releases research on Six Sigma and
culture change.

Press Release Body = BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WASHINGTON - May 2, 2007 - Companies that
treat their Six Sigma efforts as both the impetus and/or mechanism for culture
change are more than twice as likely to have successful deployments than those that
see no link between Six Sigma and culture, according to research published in the
May/June 2007 issue of iSixSigma Magazine (www.isixsigma-magazine.com).

The survey included responses from nearly 1800 Six Sigma professionals around the
globe. "Almost all the companies represented were purposefully pursuing culture
change," said Michael Marx, research manager for iSixSigma. The three main changes
that companies wanted to see were to achieve greater focus on customers (67%),
develop data-based decision making (57%), and create a process orientation (52%).

According to Marx, the link between culture and Six Sigma success was obvious in the
results. "Of the respondents who said their Six Sigma deployments were successful or
highly successful, about seventy to eighty percent also said that their companies
understood Six Sigma requires a change in cultural norms and/or can be used to help
change those norms," said Marx.

"Conversely, seventy-two percent of companies that said Six Sigma had no role in
culture change labeled their efforts as unsuccessful or highly unsuccessful," he
added.

The good news for companies is that the culture can start changing rapidly-if they
pay deliberate attention to cultural shifts. "More than half of the respondents who
said their companies paid at least some attention to culture change saw noticeable
changes in culture within two years," explained Marx.

The survey also showed that Six Sigma-trained employees used their change management
skills far more often than generally perceived. "Though only thirty-two percent of
respondents said they would label their Black Belts as 'change agents,' almost twice
that figure said they personally use change management skills frequently or all the
time," Marx said.

The results provide a strong impetus for companies to pay more attention to the
culture shifts needed to support Six Sigma and to the kinds of shifts that Six Sigma
can help create inside a company. "The more effort a company makes to change its
culture, the bigger the impact," concluded Marx.

***
Written for business professionals, iSixSigma Magazine offers a breadth of content
to address all facets of Six Sigma deployments and to engage readers at all
experience levels. The magazine provides practical advice to help readers stay on
top in today?s competitive marketplace and be more effective on the job. Expert
columnists cover the latest methodologies, strategies and tools and provide insights
to help readers better satisfy their customers and run their businesses more
profitably. In iSixSigma Magazine\'s bi-monthly columns and features, readers learn
from other change agents who have successfully solved their business challenges. The
magazine also analyzes current trends, issues, and news from a management-by-fact
perspective.


Web Site = http://www.isixsigma-magazine.com/

Contact Details = Michael Marx
Research Manager
iSixSigma Magazine
321 High School Road NE STE B3 #434
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
+1-847-919-0922 x8859
https://www.isixsigma-magazine.com/subscribe.asp
http://www.isixsigma.com/research