In quality management, which process best describes the idea that workers should fix defects as they arise?

The concept that workers should fix defects as they arise is most accurately described by the principle of Quality at the Source. This approach emphasizes that responsibility for quality should lie with the individuals who are directly involved in the production or service delivery processes. By empowering workers to identify and rectify defects on the spot, organizations can minimize the chances of defective products reaching the next stage of production or the customer.

Quality at the Source encourages a proactive stance on quality assurance, as it prevents issues from being passed down the line, where they could become more costly and complex to resolve. This method of quality management fosters a culture of ownership and continuous improvement among employees, enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

While the other options relate to quality management practices, they do not specifically embody the same focus on immediate defect resolution by the workers themselves.