Motivational factors for the adoption of ISO 9001 standards in Eastern Europe: the case of Bulgaria
Abstract: This study analyzes
the motivational factors for ISO 9001 certification in Bulgaria from the
internal/external motivations perspective, or the so-called dual model.
Design/methodology/approach: This study is based on a mixed method
research approach, which employed two interviews with experts in the field of
quality management at the exploratory stage, and a survey involving 127
companies at the descriptive stage.
Findings: This study claims that enhanced company image and
competitiveness – an external motivation - is the leading motivational factor
for ISO 9001 certification in Bulgaria. At the same time, our primary
investigation reveals that Bulgarian firms are not predominantly externally
driven, for internal motivations including process improvement and product
quality improvement seem to be an important driver for ISO 9001 certification.
Last but not least, this research asserts that enhanced company image and
competitiveness has a stronger impact on the motivations for ISO 9001
certification than customer and supplier pressure, which is in line with
previous research works on developing economy economies such as Bulgaria.
Finally, our study indicates a moderate, yet positive correlation between
motivations for and benefits of ISO 9001 certification.
Social implications: This research work casts some light on the evolution
of quality management in Bulgaria since the end of communism, which can serve
as an important foundation for the better understanding of quality management
in former communist economies in general and Eastern European states in
particular.
Originality/value: Derived from the acute gap between ISO studies in
Western and former communist economies, this research work presents one of the
first official, international studies in the field of ISO certification in
Bulgaria, and more precisely, a paper describing the motives for ISO 9001
certification among Bulgarian businesses.
Keywords: Quality Standards,
ISO 9000 series, Certification, Motivational factors, Benefits, Quality
Management, Bulgaria
Author: Svetoslav Georgiev,
Emil Georgiev
Journal Code: jptindustrigg150049
