Zero Defects
Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30
CORE DEFINITION
A management philosophy that holds that "errors are not inevitable." It requires doing things right the first time and rejects any "Acceptable Quality Level" (AQL). It emphasizes prevention rather than inspection.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
An attitude of pursuing perfection. Although it is statistically difficult to achieve absolute zero, setting the goal of "zero defects" can completely change the mindset—from "errors are inevitable" to "why did this error occur?" It applies to fields that cannot tolerate errors, such as nuclear power and aviation.
Anchor fast decisions
Zero Defects, advocated by Philip Crosby, holds that the quality standard is to "do it right the first time," and that defects originate from management rather than workers.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/4Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero_Defectsverified
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