Outcomes from a descriptive survey of Six Sigma management practices in Brazil

Abstract

PurposeThe utilisation of Six Sigma and its associated techniques has yielded results that deserve a more detailed evaluation, since there is relatively little information published on the application of Six Sigma in developing countries. The objective of this work is to present the results of an exploratory‐descriptive field study, which was done to survey a series of practices related to Six Sigma programmes at companies that have adopted them.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a descriptive survey. More than 100 Six Sigma users were identified and contacted by telephone to respond a questionnaire. Two remembering letters were sent to companies that did not answer the survey resulting in a response rate of approximately 65 per cent, which can be considered suitable by the literature for a descriptive survey.FindingsThe results obtained from the survey revealed that the application of Six Sigma in Brazil is a reality. However, it concluded that the programme was adopted by large‐size companies that invest in infrastructure and training of their personnel, making it possible to obtain the financial benefits desired.Research limitations/implicationsThis is not a probabilistic study and, therefore, the external validity is limited. The paper also considers perspectives for future research on the use of techniques and tools associated to the application of the programme as well as factors of failure in its utilisation.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few published studies that report and discuss Six Sigma programmes in developing countries.