A triple analysis of ISO 9000 effects on company performance

摘要

Purpose - ISO 9000 certification has a growing importance for companies, mainly in Europe but alsornin other countries. Several papers have analysed the effects of ISO 9000 certification on companyrnresults, with contradictory conclusions. The purpose of this work is to clarify these possible effects.rnDesign/methodology/approach - This paper reports new findings on the topic following a studyrnusing data from 713 companies and using the two methodologies that have been applied in thernscientific literature: the comparison of certified and non-certified companies and a longitudinal studyrnof the results of certification.rnFindings - The data suggest that not only is ISO 9000 positive for companies but also it can actuallyrnreduce benefits and profitability.rnPractical implications - Several reasons for these results can be suggested and constitute arncritique of the almost compulsory character of ISO 9000 as a norm for performance in some markets.rnCompanies should be aware that implementing ISO 9000 just for compliance does not constitute arncompetitive advantage.rnOriginality/value - This research uses objective measures of performance and combines twornmethodologies: the comparison between certified and non-certified companies and a longitudinalrnanalysis.