W. E. DEMING, Pragmatism and sustainability

Frédéric Canard (1)

1 GREDEG - Groupe de Recherche en Droit, Economie et Gestion

W. Edwards Deming aims to contribute to the transformation of management systems which he considers responsible for losses caused the decline of our Societies. His latest book highlights the system of thought called "System of Profound Knowledge" which must lead to this transformation. The aim of our research is to explain the implicit assumptions of Deming's System of Profound Knowledge about ethics and sustainability and argues that they are related to the philosophy of pragmatism. We show how his recommendations on the role of individuals and the transformation of management systems can promote socially and sustainable responsible behaviour. Our guiding principle is the following. Finding connections between main pioneers of the classical American pragmatism movement to Deming, arguing pragmatism is an appropriate paradigm for some sustainable issues, and finally establishing a link between the System of Profound Knowledge and sustainability.

Mots clés: Deming; Quality; Management; Ethics; Pragmatism; Sustainability

Domaines: Gestion et management

Frédéric Canard. W. E. DEMING, Pragmatism and sustainability. 17th Annual International Deming Research Seminar, Mar 2011, New York, United States. pp.1-17. ⟨halshs-00607366⟩