Benefits of the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards: A literature review

Abstract

<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>The purpose of this paper is to determine the similarities and differences between the benefits derived from implementing the ISO 9001 and the ISO 14001 standards.</p><p><strong>Methodology/Approach: </strong>The paper reviews the literature using an electronic search in the ScienceDirect, ABI/Inform, Emerald databases to identify papers focusing on the adoption of the ISO 9001 and 14001 standards and the benefits derived from implementing them.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The paper identifies 82 articles about ISO 9001 and 29 about ISO 14001. Although some differences can be observed between the benefits considered by ISO 9001 and 14001, there is a great degree of coincidence in the benefits studied. The review suggests 13 benefits as the most usually analyzed (including environmental performance for the case of the ISO 14001 standard) by scholars. It is suggested that both standards have clear benefits on operational, people and customer results and that the effects on financial performance are inconclusive.</p><p><strong>Limitations/implications: </strong>One limitation of this paper is that the works identified are conditioned by the search strategy used. In addition, other key words could be included in future studies such as operational, market, quality, financial performance, and customer satisfaction in order to expand this search.</p><p><strong>Originality/Value: </strong>The main contribution is that the paper identifies the literature gap and future research proposals with regard to the benefits of the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards.</p

Management system certification benefits: where do we stand?

“…Research supports the view that Quality Management Systems (QMS) can bring significant benefits for organizations competitiveness and success, by helping them to operate efficiently and respond to customer and key stakeholder requirements (Tarí, Molina-Azorín & Heras, 2012). Internal motivations to implement ISO 9001 can foster organizational and process improvements which may contribute to better quality and customer satisfaction, contributing to better financial performance and competitive position.…”

“…However, it should be acknowledged that there are authors that favor the benefits of the internal motivations for MSSs implementation and certification, while others consider the external motivations as more relevant. And while most authors support the positive effects of Management Systems Standards Certification (MSSC) a few report negative effects (Tarí et al, 2012) probably due to the way the MSS was interpreted and implemented and/or methodological issues.…”

How to succeed in the digital age? Monitor the organizational context, identify risks and opportunities, and manage change effectively

“…An analysis of the mainstream research addressing the ISO 9001 motivations and benefits (Tarí et al 2012;Fonseca, 2015a;Zimon, 2016) supports the assumption that QMSs can bring significant benefits for organizations competitiveness and success, and that the motivations for its application can be both internal (to change and improve), and external (comply with customer demands, marketing visibility). ISO 9001:2015 is consistent with market driven principles, delivering customer value, differentiating from competitors, and properly segmenting, targeting, and positioning:…”

ISO 14001 certification: benefits, costs and expectations for organization

“…This has been repeatedly highlighted in the literature, distinguishing also the characteristics peculiar for SMEs [Chin, Chiu, and Rao Tummala 1999;da Fonseca 2015;Hibadullah et al 2013;Hillary 2004;Matuszak-Flejszman 2009;Petroni 2001;Pun and Hui 2001;Raines 2002;Şahin 2014;Sambasivan and Fei 2008;Scipioni, Mazzi, and Vecchiato 2013;Tarí, Molina-Azorin, and Heras 2012;Whitelaw 2004]. The studies show that three types of benefits are mainly considered: environmental performance, efficiency and profitability.…”

“…Also, other benefits have deserved attention: image improvement, customer satisfaction, performance of workers, competitiveness and relationships with stakeholders. In empirical studies, the benefits are related to increased sales, product quality and market share [Tarí, Molina-Azorin, and Heras 2012]. So, the reasons why organizations implement ISO 14001 are generally identified as: -to gain or retain market share via a "green" corporate image; -to attract more ethical investments; -to reduce insurance risks; -to reduce prosecution risks; -to reduce costs [Whitelaw 2004].…”