Does ISO 9000 have an effect on quality management practices? An international empirical study

Abstract The past few years have witnessed an increasing global interest in ISO 9000 standards. Thousands of companies have already been certified. However, doubts have been raised about the effectiveness of ISO 9000 standards for infusing quality within organizations. In this paper, we empirically explore, in the international context, the relationship between ISO 9000 and the level of quality management practices and quality results. Our findings indicate that ISO 9000 registered companies exhibit higher levels of quality leadership, information and analysis, strategic quality planning, human resource development, quality assurance, supplier relationships, customer orientation and quality results.