ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards: an international diffusion model
International Journal of Operations & Production Management
ISSN: 0144-3577
Article publication date: 1 February 2006
Abstract
Purpose
In an economic environment characterized in recent years by globalization and the integration of economic processes, standardization in management systems has had a high growth. In this context, there has been a remarkable increase in certain standards, or norms, issued by international organizations. Among these standards, two main groups stand out, both issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO): one for quality management systems – the family of ISO 9000 standards – and the other for environmental management systems – the ISO 14000 standards. This paper aims to analyze the world wide diffusion process of these two standards, using data provided by the ISO itself.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology proposed is developed in four separate phases. The first two analyze the diffusion model over time with a model based on the logistic curve proposed by Franceschini et al. The next two phases analyze whether the diffusion process has proceeded in a relatively homogeneous way in the different sectors of activity. In order to do that, the use of indices of concentration and instability has been carried out.
Findings
The conclusion is that the diffusion of both standards is very similar – in general and in terms of the different sectors. This result coincides with certain hypotheses formulated in the theoretical literature.
Originality/value
This is the first paper where it can be demonstrated that, world‐wide, both the ISO 14000 and the ISO 9000 standards have followed very similar patterns of diffusion in their expansion.
Keywords
Citation
Marimon Viadiu, F., Casadesús Fa, M. and Heras Saizarbitoria, I. (2006), "ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 standards: an international diffusion model", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 141-165. https://doi.org/10.1108/01443570610641648
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited