The tension between six sigma and innovation

Every now and again you come across something that you wish you’d read and/or blogged about years ago.  So it is with this article by Brian Hindo written in 2007, and to be found on the Bloomberg.com website.  It does what it says on the tin i.e. it explores how the introduction of six sigma into the firm 3M may (or may not) have stifled innovation.  It explains why and how six sigma was introduced into the organisation and the initial beneficial effects it had.  But it goes on to explore how this may have a downside on a key feature of 3M’s success and culture – innovation.