The impact of quality management in European companies' performance: The case of the Spanish companies

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse and show the influence on European companies' performance of the two most important models for quality management (QM) practice popularised in recent years: the ISO 9000 and the European Foundation for Quality Management models.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is a qualitative survey carried out in Spain using the Delphi method, based on previous research work. The results of this research were analysed and triangulated with the results of other surveys carried out previously, as well as with information gathered during several in‐depth interviews of the experts that participated in the Delphi panel.

Findings

In the opinion of the panel of experts, the implementation of QM models in the studied region has had a positive influence on company results, mainly through the improvement of operations, efficiency and the costs of companies' internal activities.

Originality/value

This is one of the first papers that show us the different impact of this kind of QM model in Europe.

Citation

Heras Saizarbitoria, I., Arana Landín, G. and Casadesús Fa, M. (2006), "The impact of quality management in European companies' performance: The case of the Spanish companies", European Business Review, Vol. 18 No. 2, pp. 114-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/09555340610651839