Short answer
Focus on the specific performance benefits of integrated management systems, acknowledging that improvements in environmental and safety metrics do not automatically equate to enhanced perceived quality.
- Field
- Commercial Production
- Source
- Production Planning & Control (2016)
- Method
- Quantitative survey and statistical analysis (MANCOVA and regression).
- Sample
- 59 Irish manufacturing plants
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
Simultaneously holding ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications significantly improves perceived environmental and health & safety performance, but not perceived quality performance. This commercial production research insight is drawn from a 2016 study published in Production Planning & Control. Using Quantitative survey and statistical analysis (mancova and regression). with 59 Irish manufacturing plants, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Focus on the specific performance benefits of integrated management systems, acknowledging that improvements in environmental and safety metrics do not automatically equate to enhanced perceived quality.
Multiple ISO certifications enhance EHS performance but not perceived quality.
Simultaneously holding ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications significantly improves perceived environmental and health & safety performance, but not perceived quality performance.
Production Planning & Control · 2016
Key Findings
- 01Companies with simultaneous ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications showed significantly better perceived environmental performance.
- 02Companies with simultaneous ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications showed significantly better perceived occupational health and safety performance.
- 03Having these multiple certifications did not appear to be an effective tool for improving perceived quality performance.
Application
Design takeaway
Focus on the specific performance benefits of integrated management systems, acknowledging that improvements in environmental and safety metrics do not automatically equate to enhanced perceived quality.
How to apply
When implementing or communicating about integrated management systems, tailor messaging to highlight the specific performance gains in environmental and health & safety areas, while managing expectations regarding immediate quality perception improvements.
Project actions
- 01When researching management systems, consider how different standards might impact various aspects of a product or service.
- 02If your design project involves implementing or improving management systems, think about how to measure and communicate the specific benefits.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Investigates the combined effect of multiple certifications, offering a more holistic view than single-standard studies.
- +Uses established statistical methods (MANCOVA, regression) for analysis.
Limitations
The study relies on perceptions, which can be subjective. The findings might be specific to the Irish manufacturing sector and may not apply universally.
Reliability & validity
The use of established statistical methods lends reliability to the analysis of the collected data. Validity is supported by the focus on specific, recognized certification standards and performance dimensions, though the reliance on 'perceived' performance introduces a potential limitation.
Think critically
To what extent do 'perceived' performance improvements align with actual, measurable performance gains, and how might this influence a company's strategic decision-making regarding certifications?
Design Principles
"Certifications can drive targeted performance improvements; their impact should be evaluated across all relevant dimensions."
For organizations seeking to demonstrate robust operational practices, understanding the differential impact of integrated certification standards is crucial. This insight suggests that while a holistic approach to management systems can yield benefits in specific areas like environmental and safety compliance, it may not automatically translate to improved perceptions of product or service quality.
What This Means for Your Design
Getting certified for quality (ISO 9001), environment (ISO 14001), and safety (OHSAS 18001) at the same time makes companies look better at being green and safe, but doesn't necessarily make them seem better at quality.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the strategic adoption of management system standards and their impact on different business functions.
- 2.Use the findings to support arguments about the nuanced benefits of integrated certification approaches in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that while the simultaneous adoption of ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications can significantly enhance perceived environmental and occupational health and safety performance, its impact on perceived quality performance is less pronounced. This suggests that organizations should strategically consider the specific benefits and communication potential of integrated management systems.
Source
Production Planning & Control
The adoption of multiple certification standards: perceived performance implications of quality, environmental and health & safety certifications
journal · 2016
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about multiple iso certifications enhance ehs performance but not perceived quality?
- Focus on the specific performance benefits of integrated management systems, acknowledging that improvements in environmental and safety metrics do not automatically equate to enhanced perceived quality. Evidence: Production Planning & Control (2016).
- Why does "Multiple ISO certifications enhance EHS performance but not perceived quality." matter for design?
- For organizations seeking to demonstrate robust operational practices, understanding the differential impact of integrated certification standards is crucial. This insight suggests that while a holistic approach to management systems can yield benefits in specific areas like environmental and safety compliance, it may not automatically translate to improved perceptions of product or service quality.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Focus on the specific performance benefits of integrated management systems, acknowledging that improvements in environmental and safety metrics do not automatically equate to enhanced perceived quality.
- What were the main findings?
- Companies with simultaneous ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications showed significantly better perceived environmental performance.. Companies with simultaneous ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001 certifications showed significantly better perceived occupational health and safety performance.. Having these multiple certifications did not appear to be an effective tool for improving perceived quality performance.
- What research method was used?
- Quantitative survey and statistical analysis (MANCOVA and regression). with 59 Irish manufacturing plants.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2016 journal from Production Planning & Control.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When implementing or communicating about integrated management systems, tailor messaging to highlight the specific performance gains in environmental and health & safety areas, while managing expectations regarding immediate quality perception improvements.
- What are the limitations?
- Perceived performance may differ from objective performance; the study was conducted in a specific geographical and industrial context (Irish manufacturing).