Meaning: The quote "Hold everybody accountable? Ridiculous! by W. Deming Scientist" is attributed to W. Edwards Deming, an American engineer, statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and management consultant. Deming is best known for his work in Japan after World War II, where he taught top management how to improve design, product quality, testing, and sales through various methods, including statistical methods. His teachings and philosophies had a significant impact on the development of the Japanese industry and played a key role in its post-war economic recovery.

In the context of the quote, "Hold everybody accountable? Ridiculous!," Deming is likely expressing his skepticism about a simplistic approach to accountability within an organization. Rather than blaming individuals for problems or failures, Deming advocated for a systemic approach to management that focused on understanding and improving processes. He believed that the majority of problems in an organization were rooted in the system, and that it was the responsibility of management to understand and optimize these systems.

Deming's views on accountability were part of his broader philosophy on management, known as the "Deming System of Profound Knowledge." This system is based on four interrelated areas of knowledge: appreciation for a system, understanding variation, theory of knowledge, and psychology. Deming believed that managers should have a deep understanding of these areas in order to effectively lead and improve organizations.

The concept of accountability in Deming's philosophy is not about assigning blame or punishment, but rather about understanding the root causes of problems and working to improve the system as a whole. He emphasized the importance of leadership in creating an environment where employees are empowered to contribute to continuous improvement and where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and growth.

One of Deming's most well-known contributions to management theory is his 14 Points for Management, which outlines principles for transforming business effectiveness. Among these points, Deming emphasized the importance of breaking down barriers between departments, providing training for employees, and removing numerical quotas and management by objective. His approach to management was holistic, focusing on creating a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

In summary, the quote "Hold everybody accountable? Ridiculous! by W. Deming Scientist" reflects Deming's belief that a simplistic and individual-focused approach to accountability is not effective in improving organizational performance. Instead, he emphasized the importance of understanding and improving the overall system and creating a culture of continuous improvement. Deming's ideas continue to influence management practices and organizational leadership today, and his work has had a lasting impact on the field of quality management and business improvement.