A sectoral study of ISO 9000 and TQM transitions: the UK and Irish brewing sector

This paper examines the key dynamics of an organisational transition from ISO 9000 to TQM with specific reference to the UK and Irish brewing sector. A number of quality related research studies have reported on the potential of ISO 9000 as a foundation for TQM, and the possibility of the existence of a quality continuum, commencing with ISO 9000 and progressing to TQM. However, there is a paucity of sector specific research in this area. Following a critique of the literature, a UK and Irish research survey involving the 90 leading brewing organisations is analysed and discussed. The paper concludes that considerable complementarity exists between ISO 9000 and TQM. Furthermore, TQM is considered to be best implemented within the controlled environment/quality assurance environment of ISO 9000. Progression to TQM will only occur if a non‐bureaucratic inclusive approach to ISO 9000 implementation is adopted.