Which of the following is not one of W. Edwards Deming's 14 points?

W. Edwards Deming's 14 points focus on guiding principles for improving quality and productivity in organizations. Among these principles, the emphasis is on continuous improvement, employee involvement, and understanding quality from a broader perspective beyond just operational targets.

The statement regarding "The only performance standard is Zero Defects" does not align with Deming's philosophy. Deming believed in the importance of continuous improvement and understanding variability within processes. He prioritized a holistic approach to quality rather than setting rigid targets such as achieving "zero defects." This perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of quality, recognizing that striving for perfection can sometimes lead to misguided efforts and hinder overall improvement.

In contrast, the other options reflect Deming's principles, such as promoting commitment to a vision and understanding that cost should not be the sole factor in decision-making, as well as the need to eliminate exhortation, which can be ineffective in driving the desired changes in quality and employee engagement. This framework fosters a culture that values quality and efficiency through collaborative effort rather than merely aiming for unattainable metrics.