Jordan Quality Award (King Abdullah II Award for Excellence (KAIIAE)): Characteristics, assessment and benchmarking

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the essence of the Jordan Quality Award (JoQA) that has been developed and implemented in Jordan. The award characteristics, framework, examination criteria, objectives, benefits and comparative assessment are described. The JoQA is benchmarked with two international quality awards: Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award and European Quality Award.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to investigate the experiences of companies and gain feedback on the award's benefits, achievements, problems, and criteria weights, a questionnaire was developed. A sample of 49 companies which had applied for the award was selected to test a set of hypotheses regarding the award's objectives, benefits, problems, and criteria weights, and to determine areas of weaknesses and potential improvements.

Findings

The testing of the hypotheses shows that the objectives of the award, externally, and internally viewed benefit were achieved. However, various implementation problems exist. Based on the findings, a recommended change is proposed for the weights of the award criteria.

Research limitations/implications

The study is based on a relatively small number of companies who had participated on one occasion in the award's process. Although the findings confirm the theoretical framework, more empirical work is needed to better understand the award's impact over a longer time span. Further research should also identify if and how the award influences the participating companies in managerial, technical and financial aspects.

Originality/value

The paper is unique insofar as it is the first to explore the experiences of users of the JoQA. It contributes to a better understanding of such awards' impact on organizations in developing countries.

Citation

Rawabdeh, I.A. (2008), "Jordan Quality Award (King Abdullah II Award for Excellence (KAIIAE)): Characteristics, assessment and benchmarking", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 4-24. https://doi.org/10.1108/14635770810854326