A comparative analysis between certified and non-certified companies through the quality management system

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze a questionnaire answered by a sample of ISO 9000 certified companies and a control sample of companies which have not been certified, using a multivariate predictive model. With this approach, this paper assess which quality practices are associated to the likelihood of the firm being certified. Design/methodology/approach – This paper implemented non-parametric decision trees, in order to see which variables influence more the fact that the company be certified or not, i.e. the motivations that lead companies to make sure. Findings – The results show that only four questionnaire items are sufficient to predict if a firm is certified or not. It is shown that companies in which the respondent manifests greater concern with respect to customers relations; motivations of the employees and strategic planning have higher likelihood of being certified. Research limitations/implications – The reader should note that this study is based on data from a single country and, of course, these results capture many idiosyncrasies if its economic and corporate environment. It would be of interest to understand if this type of analysis reveals some regularities across different countries. Practical implications – Companies should look for a set of practices congruent with total quality management and ISO 9000 certified. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature on the internal motivation of companies to achieve certification under the ISO 9000 standard, by performing a comparative analysis of questionnaires answered by a sample of certified companies and a control sample of companies which have not been certified. In particular, this paper assess how the manager's perception on the intensity in which quality practices are deployed in their firms is associated to the likelihood of the firm being certified.