What Factors May Shape the Performance of ISO 9000: The Cases of Canada, France and U.S.A.

A survey questionnaire was obtained from companies with ISO 9000 certification in Canada, France and U.S.A., and of these, Grounded in the technology--organization-environment (TOE) framework, we develop a research model for assessing the performance of ISO 9000 certification at the firm level. Our empirical analysis demonstrates several key findings: (1) Within the TOE framework, quality awareness emerges as the strongest factor for the value for ISO 9000, while external pressures, ISO 9000 process management, employee commitment and size also significantly contribute to ISO 9000 value. (2) External pressures often drives firms to adopt ISO 90000, but ISO 9000 value is associated more with quality awareness than with external pressures. (3) The impact of firm size on ISO 9000 performance is negative.