Dual Role Question - Metrologist AND Quality Manager - Conflict of Interest?

[blemon]

It was brought up in a recent meeting with a client that a person serving in the position of a metrologist AND as the QM *could* be considered a possible conflict of interest....

I have always taken the view that it strengthens the bonds in the workplace, since one of the fellow "lab-rats" could be turned to with questions and could bring up possible quality issues before they become quality non-conformances.

The client didn't have a problem with it, per se, but just wanted to bring it up because they had never run into that situation before....this, however, is the second company for which I have served in BOTH positions simultaneously.

Comments/Insights/Jeers?

Thanks,

B

[Wes Bucey]

Originally Posted by blemon

It was brought up in a recent meeting with a client that a person serving in the position of a metrologist AND as the QM *could* be considered a possible conflict of interest....

I have always taken the view that it strengthens the bonds in the workplace, since one of the fellow "lab-rats" could be turned to with questions and could bring up possible quality issues before they become quality non-conformances.

The client didn't have a problem with it, per se, but just wanted to bring it up because they had never run into that situation before....this, however, is the second company for which I have served in BOTH positions simultaneously.

Comments/Insights/Jeers?

Thanks,

B

I guess I don't understand the function of a metrologist in any way that could be construed as a conflict of interest with a Quality Manager's function. Can you explain further?

[howste]

I see no problems at all with that arrangement.

[blemon]

They were referring, I assume, to the possibility that "someone" (*ahem, you talkin' ta me?!*) ~could~ have a lack of integrity regarding their technical work OR "alter" paperwork for some reason....

I'm sorry...I learned from the old-school...integrity is the heart and soul of metrology...


B

[Wes Bucey]

My experience is the two positions with the highest integrity are metrologist and Quality Manager. Combining them would get more, not less, integrity.

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Originally Posted by howste

I see no problems at all with that arrangement.

Nor do I. Besides, there are lots of small organizaions around with that setup. Nothing to worry about.

/Claes

[Mike S.]

Agreed, I see no problem. I once had a similar concern about whether a registrar would have a problem with a person holding the titles of QA Manager and Production Manager at the same time, but I have since learned well that this is not a problem. No matter the position, integrity is the glue that keeps it all together.

[SteelMaiden]

Originally Posted by Wes Bucey

My experience is the two positions with the highest integrity are metrologist and Quality Manager. Combining them would get more, not less, integrity.

As an aside, does anyone else ever get tired of people looking for that "unidentified person who lurks waiting to destroy all things"? Have third party registrations brought the quality profession to a new level of paranoia where we have to lock everything down so tight that the Q manager has to do everything himself cuz he can't trust anyone to do anything right? Document control, fudging records, on and on.... I really haven't had to face deliberate sabotage (sp?) where I work. People here are not going to jeopardize their jobs by deliberately sabotaging the company. But am I in a special category?