Quality circles are, yes, a small group of employees yearning to find solutions to the most minute aspects that mar the chances of an outcome that is nearly perfect. It's a sort of brainstorming circle where all the participants will try to contribute their doubts, knowledge on a particular issue in question, and also their noteworthy observations.
In every sphere of activity, we find these circles in one form or another. For example, there are core committees in political parties, groups of ministers, or committees of ministers constituted to find solutions to a problem without sacrificing the welfare of people, financial commitment, and political mileage. At the international level, we find G7 countries, etc., wherein some select members who are very much concerned about an issue arising unexpectedly or having a yearning to better the performance in the area of common interest will participate in such groups.
The watchword is how to frame a strategy to come out with improved performance quality-wise, cost-effectiveness-wise.