4. Relationship between ISO 9000 (2000) standards and quality awards

The main quality awards developed in different countries or regions of the world (Malcolm Baldrige in the USA, EFQM in Europe) were conceived as a means of promoting quality and contributing to corporate performance. In addition to the competition itself, companies are increasingly using the award criteria internally to measure the level of quality they have achieved, by identifying their strengths and weaknesses. The criteria presented enable them to situate themselves and assess the progress they need to make: in this sense, they are a powerful self-assessment tool.

For ISO 9000-certified companies wishing to engage in the practice of self-assessment and, a fortiori, to compete for an award, this transition requires a change of culture and strategy, with assertive involvement and real commitment on the part of management.