What does 'corrective action' refer to in quality control?

'Corrective action' in quality control specifically refers to measures taken to eliminate the causes of non-conformance. This is crucial in quality management because it focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of issues or defects in processes or products that do not meet set standards. By implementing corrective actions, organizations can prevent recurrence of similar issues in the future, leading to improved overall quality and compliance with standards.

The concept is essential in maintaining a continuous improvement cycle within quality assurance practices. It ensures that once a problem is identified, appropriate steps are taken to rectify it and to verify that the actions taken have effectively resolved the issue.

While employee performance, production efficiency, and customer satisfaction are also vital aspects of a business's operations, they are not the primary focus of the corrective action process. Corrective actions specifically center on addressing defects and preventing future non-conformities, making option A the most accurate and relevant choice regarding quality control.