Quality circle is a group of working staffs (includes people from Management, Quality leaders, Quality members, operations etc.) which provide resolutions of problems, works on development of process and organization. It originated in Japan in 1960s by Mr. Ishikawa.
This group uses various tools to provide solutions like 7 QC tools, Which FCHCPCS (flow chart, check sheets, histogram, cause and effect, Pareto chart, control charts and stratification) and other six sigma tools also.
Major Advantages of using Quality circles are productivity, team spirit, morale, new potential utilization etc.
It is still relevant in organizations practicing Lean six sigma because of above mentioned points.