According to Philip Crosby, what is the first absolute of quality?

The first absolute of quality, according to Philip Crosby, emphasizes that "Quality means conformance to standards." This concept underlines the importance of meeting established requirements to achieve quality. Crosby's philosophy focuses on the idea that quality should not be subjective; instead, it should be measurable against defined standards. By conforming to these standards, organizations can ensure that their products or services meet the expectations of both the company and its customers.

Crosby's approach to quality management is preventive rather than corrective, meaning that it prioritizes avoiding defects through adherence to existing standards, which fosters a consistent quality output. This principle serves as a foundation for understanding quality in a more structured and quantifiable manner, setting the stage for effective quality management initiatives.

While the other choices relate to important aspects of quality management—like cost savings, shared responsibilities, and customer satisfaction—they do not capture the foundational definition Crosby provides regarding the essential nature of quality itself, which is inherently linked to compliance with standards.