ISO 9000 certification benefits reality or myth?

Dick, Gavin P.M. (2000) ISO 9000 certification benefits reality or myth? The TQM Magazine, 12 (6). pp. 365-371. ISSN 0954-478X. (Full text available)

Abstract

Given the rapid recent growth in ISO 9000 applications and the business performance benefits being claimed for it by National Accreditation Registrars, it is timely to review the research in this area to see if any substantial proof exists for these claims. The paper explores the literature and finds that there is no proven link between quality certification (ISO 9000) and improved business performance. However, it is clear from the research reviewed on business performance factors, that better quality does have a consistent, positive relationship with business performance. Combining these findings leads to the inference that quality certification to ISO 9000 standards is not consistently associated with having a quality assurance system that delivers improved process control, or better quality. We conclude that the National Accreditation Registrars need to reflect on the standards of proof that they currently use to support claims for business performance improvement from the application of the ISO 9000 standards.

Item Type:	Article
Additional information:	Research Paper. Conference: Quest for excellence; Quest for excellence XII Conference description: Conference; 12th Conference venue: Washington, DC Conference date: 2000; March
Uncontrolled keywords:	ISO 9000, Certification, Benefits, Performance, TQM
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Divisions:	Faculties > Social Sciences > Kent Business School > Business process/operations
Depositing User:	Gavin Dick
Date Deposited:	03 Mar 2010 13:02 UTC
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2017 12:48 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/23474 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)