Factors influencing a successful transition from ISO 9000 to TQM: The influence of understanding and motivation

This paper is the first of two which seek to further the debate about the role and value of ISO 9000 as a route to TQM. In particular, outlines a framework by which the next phase of a longitudinal study of 115 ISO 9000 registered organizations may be conducted. Shows that very little empirical work has been published which explores this transition beyond ISO 9000 to TQM. Moreover, what literature does exist is divided on the issues, for example on whether or not it is beneficial to obtain ISO 9000 before embarking on TQM, or vice versa. Examines the importance of two aspects of senior executives’ mindset, namely their understanding of ISO 9000 and their motivations for pursuing it. Presents preliminary data which suggest that these two factors may have an important influence on future progress towards TQM, and postulates that the success of organizations already practising TQM will be dependent on their levels of understanding and their differing motivations. The second paper will complete this discussion by dealing with other factors relevant to this transition as raised by other authors and concludes by outlining tangible ways in which an organization can build on ISO 9000 to proceed towards TQM. Factors discussed in these two papers will form the basis of analysis of the next phase of this longitudinal study, which was initiated in 1991.