A Study on Analysis of Managerial Attitudes towards ISO 9001: 2008 Quality Management System Introduction and Implementation Process in Sri Lanka

Abstract

ISO certification is expected to help organizations to enhance quality and efficiency, improve communications, achieve competitive advantage and to increase in market share, reduce costs and achieve a high stock price. The successful implementation of the ISO 9001: 2008 quality management system standard depends on how the standard is perceived by the companies, therefore identification of managerial perception for ISO 9001 system is vital. This research paper presents the results of an investigation carried out to identify managerial attitudes towards ISO 9001: 2008 quality management systems. To realize this goal, a sample consisting of 73 managers, representing both top and middle managers were selected from organizations functioning in Sri Lanka, covering all sectors including manufacturing, services, construction and others. Data were gathered using self administered questionnaire, through an email survey. Results indicated that Sri Lankan companies have high level of understanding for the purpose of ISO 9001: 2008 quality management system; by both certified groups for ISO 9001: 2008 and organizations those commenced the quality management system implementation. The main motivating factors behind the implementation of ISO 9001: 2008 quality management system for both certified companies and organizations already commence the implementation are to achieve quality improvement. The second most motivator for certified organization is to meet the corporate objectives. The principle perceived benefits of implementing ISO 9001: 2008 by both groups are customer satisfaction, increase quality awareness and reduces the production time. None of the parameters analyzed for understanding the purposes of selecting ISO 9001 quality management system and motivational factors for seeking certifications were statistically significant in both groups. Furthermore this investigation concluded that there is an impact towards ISO 9001: 2008 quality management systems by both certified organizations and organizations those commenced the quality system implementation in Sri Lanka. In addition to that study reveals that majority of organizations are seeking certifications irrespective of their sector and type of the organizations. Therefore, this research is vital for making policy decisions of organizations those who anticipate to implement quality management systems for their operations in the future.