Uma análise exploratória de barreiras que inibem a implementação do seis sigma em organizações brasileiras: um estudo no setor automotivo

Abstract

As the competitiveness increases, organizations seek for practice and continuous improvement techniques. One approach that has been outstanding, both in academic and professional field, is Six Sigma. This approach provides several benefits for organizations. However, its implementation is often inhibited by numerous barriers. Several authors seek to study these barriers and to classify them according to their relevance levels, which may vary according to the characteristics of each organization. However, there have been many contradictions between the authors on this aspect. Moreover, there are few studies on the relevance of these barriers in relation to Brazilian organizations. How would these barriers be classified in level of importance when considering Brazilian organizations? In this case, would this classification change in relation to organizational characteristics? To try to answer these questions, this study proposed to conduct a survey that has involved an extensive literature review by which it was possible to identify 16 main existent barriers. This study is characterized as an applied research concerning the nature, with quantitative approach and exploratory and correlational goals. To this end, it is intended to use the survey as a method and the questionnaire as data collection instrument. Brazilian organizations selected for the study were confined to the automotive sector. In total, the study population is made up of 529 organizations, by which were obtained 40 valid questionnaires. The study revealed that, with relation to the analyzed organizations, the most important barrier is the lack of skill and training suitable for the implementation of Six Sigma. The study also revealed that organizational characteristics such as size or type (multinational or local) are able to influence the barriers relevance order.