ISO 9001 Vs. EFQM: A comparative analisys based on external independent data

Resumen

The aim of this article is to evaluate the adoption and outcomes of both the ISO 9000 and the EFQM selfevaluation model, based on external independent data. To this end, we first performed some objective analyzes of data regarding the impact of the models, data obtained from the ISO and EFQM international organizations themselves. We then conducted an empirical work with a survey of 107 experienced and independent qualitymanagement assessors and data from 242 external evaluations carried out between 1998 and 2007 in 170 Spanish organizations that have adopted the EFQM model. The results obtained refer to the different motives of organizations in implementing ISO 9000 standards and the EFQM model, the obstacles detected to this implementation, and the comparative results of these. Key words: ISO 9001; EFQM; adoption; self-assesment. 6. Introduction The aim of this article is to evaluate the adoption and outcomes of both the ISO 9001 and the EFQM self-evaluation model, based on external independent data. To this end, we first performed some objective analyzes of data regarding the impact of the models, data obtained from the ISO and EFQM international organizations themselves. We then conducted an empirical work with a survey of 107 experienced and independent quality-management assessors and data from 242 external evaluations carried out between 1998 and 2007 in 170 Spanish organizations that have adopted the EFQM model. The results obtained refer to the different motives of organizations in implementing ISO 9001 standard and the EFQM model, This article has been produced within the framework of the research project entitled ?Improvement of the customers‘ satisfaction of the Spanish companies by quality management standards and models? (ECO200912754) financed by the Spanish Ministry for Education and Science under the system of aid grants for R+D projects. The fieldwork was carried out as part of a more extensive study conducted for the Basque Institute of Competitiveness, a member of the worldwide network of competitiveness centres working with the Harvard Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness. Quality model assessors from Euskalit participated in the fieldwork. Euskalit also facilitated very valuable data on the external evaluations. We would like to express our gratitude to all, and specialy to Euskalit, for its important cooperation and participation.