| The purpose of the qualitative, phenomenological study was to explore quality decision making in food safety by examining decision-making attitudes stemming from the lived experiences of quality leaders in the food industry between 2008 and 2013. The study comprised 18 semi-structured interviews and was limited to food manufacturing quality managers, leaders, and directors experienced with product recalls. The decision-making process utilized by quality leaders within the food industry and the factors influencing the decisions comprise the central phenomenon that was studied. The phenomenon of quality was more closely examined within the food manufacturing industry with the objective to gain a clearer understanding of the quality attitude and decision-making model, which may affect the occurrence of food recalls. The conclusions in the study consisted of 8 core themes and 24 sub-themes that emerged pertaining to quality decision-making in the food manufacturing industry. Four overarching decision-making implications emerged during the study consisting of industry culture, regulation and inspection, education and training, and support. |
