For The Past 130 Years, Johnson Johnson Has Been Helping Bil

For The Past 130 Years Johnson Johnson Has Been Helping Billions Of

Johnson & Johnson has been a prominent name in the healthcare industry for over 130 years, serving billions of people worldwide with their medical products and services. Founded in 1886 by three brothers in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the company initially focused on producing sterile sutures, bandages, wound care, and baby products. Over the decades, Johnson & Johnson has expanded its product portfolio to include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer health products, becoming one of the largest and most diversified healthcare companies globally (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.).

The company pioneered many innovations such as the first commercial first aid kits in 1888, maternity kits in 1894, and mass-produced sanitary protection for women. They also introduced dental floss and other personal care items aimed at improving health and hygiene. These innovations highlight Johnson & Johnson’s core mission of improving human health and well-being. As a global entity, it operates in 57 countries with over 250 subsidiaries, selling products in more than 175 countries, which underscores its extensive influence in the healthcare industry (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.).

Despite its long history of success and innovation, Johnson & Johnson has faced significant challenges related to product recalls and quality control issues. For instance, in September 2013, the company recalled two popular products—Infant Motrin liquid and Risperdal Consta—involving concerns over contamination and mold. These incidents raised questions about the robustness of their quality assurance processes and the effectiveness of their quality control systems. Furthermore, such recalls impacted consumer trust and demonstrated the need for a comprehensive approach to quality management and culture within the organization (Thomas, 2013; Webb, 2013).

The company’s quality culture has historically emphasized innovation and consumer safety, but recent incidents suggest a gap between policy and practice. The recurrence of recalls has led to scrutiny over whether quality issues stem from systemic flaws or lapses in oversight. The impact on customers has been profound, as trust in the safety and efficacy of Johnson & Johnson products has been challenged. Customers expressed concern over the safety of their medications and healthcare products, which can lead to hesitation and decreased brand loyalty (Johnson & Johnson, n.d.).

In response to these issues, Johnson & Johnson is pursuing a strategic change management plan aimed at restoring its reputation and improving product quality. This plan involves adopting the Deming Cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) as a foundational quality theory to create a culture of continuous improvement. The plan advocates for implementing quality tools such as Six Sigma methodology, fault tree analysis, and Statistical Process Control (SPC) to identify root causes and reduce variability in manufacturing processes (Oakland, 2014).

The change implementation process includes revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), strengthening supplier quality assurance, establishing cross-functional teams for quality audits, and enhancing employee training programs. Engaging stakeholders at all levels, from management to front-line workers, is crucial for fostering a culture of accountability. Resistance to change is anticipated, with potential challenges including entrenched habits, fear of accountability, and potential short-term disruptions. Overcoming resistance requires comprehensive communication, leadership commitment, and demonstrating early wins to reinforce the value of quality improvements (Kotter, 1997).

The expected outcomes of this strategic quality plan include a reduction in product recalls, improved compliance with regulatory standards, and restored consumer trust. Additionally, embedding a culture of quality will lead to ongoing process improvements and innovation. These changes will position Johnson & Johnson not only as a leader in healthcare innovation but also as an organization committed to excellence and integrity in product safety and quality (ISO, 2015).

References

• Johnson & Johnson. (n.d.). Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. Retrieved September 3, 2016, from https://www.jnj.com/
• Kotter, J. P. (1997). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Oakland, J. S. (2014). Total Quality Management and Business Excellence (4th ed.). Routledge.
• Thomas, K. (2013, September 12). New Recalls by Johnson & Johnson Raise Concern About Quality Control Improvements. The New York Times.
• Webb, G. (2013, September 18). Johnson & Johnson Still Struggling with Quality Control Issues. Forbes.
• ISO. (2015). ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems — Requirements.