Certified Production & Operations Manager Exam Practice 2026 – Complete Study Guide

The phrase "Quality lies in the eyes of the beholder" reflects the idea that quality is subjective and varies based on individual preferences, experiences, and needs. This aligns perfectly with the user-based definition of quality, which emphasizes how users perceive the value and performance of a product or service.

In this context, quality is not an absolute measure but rather depends on how well a product or service meets the expectations and requirements of its users. For example, a product that excels in features for one user may not meet another user’s standards, showcasing the varied perceptions of quality based on personal criteria. This perspective honors the subjective nature of quality and recognizes that what satisfies one user might not satisfy another, thus reinforcing the idea that quality is fundamentally user-driven.

This understanding is critical in fields such as marketing and customer service, where meeting or exceeding customer expectations is essential for success.