Krasnoyarsk, Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
Krasnoyarsk, Russian Federation
UDC 658.56
This article presents a comprehensive theoretical analysis of the evolution of scientific approaches to defining the category of “quality” in the context of the development of the main economic schools. The study traces the transformation of ideas about quality from the philosophical concepts of antiquity to modern interpretations shaped by digitalization and the service economy. The relevance of the study stems from the lack of terminological unity in defining quality, which complicates the development of effective management methodologies in today's market conditions. The aim of this work is to systematize existing definitions, identify key stages in the evolution of the concept of quality, and develop an original definition adapted to the specifics of trade and services. The study utilizes historical, logical, and comparative analysis, as well as content analysis of quality definitions from philosophical, economic, and management literature. The scientific novelty lies in establishing correlations between the evolution of economic thought and changing interpretations of quality. The results demonstrate a clear evolutionary trajectory: from the understanding of quality as an objective, production-determined attribute of a product within the framework of mercantilism and classical economics, through its subjectivization during the marginal revolution, to the modern interpretation as a systemic and institutionally determined phenomenon. Each economic school made a specific contribution. The conducted research shows that each economic school has contributed to the development of quality theory. The modern concept of quality integrates technological reliability, subjective consumer value, institutional effectiveness, and adaptability under conditions of uncertainty. Based on the analysis, the author proposes a definition of quality as a multidimensional category reflecting the dynamic correspondence between objective characteristics and subjective expectations, ensuring value creation in a specific temporal context. This definition synthesizes value-oriented, market-based, and systems approaches, making it applicable to the development of modern quality management systems in the service sector.
quality, evolution, economic schools, service sector, value, marginal utility
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