Hoshin Kanri: How Xerox manages

This article presents a case study of Hoshi Kanri practice at Xerox (UK). H oshin Kanri is a form of TQM-based strategic management; it provides a link between strategic intent and its implementation in daily management. Xerox is an exemplar of Hoshin Kanri best practice. Key features include Xerox's use of vital few programmes; the link with employee appraisals; an active role for a network of quality managers; a participative form of deployment; a mature form of total quality management; the use of a self-assessment mo del to manage the business; and a structured system of review. While implem entation has been difficult, key benefits have been transparency and a comm on language for involving everybody in the management of strategy. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.