The EFQM awards impact on organizations: Practical implications on management improvement

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose intends to examine how the recognition of European Foundation for Quality and Management (EFQM) awards to organizations (variable 1), particularly contribute to the improvement in management, translated into different stages of management effectiveness/tools (variable 2).

Methodology: The investigation covers the 35 organizations that won EFQM awards in Portugal (2010-2015). The bases are the different levels/scores of EFQM awards. Additionally, a questionnaire was used measuring different stages of management models/management control systems (Likert scale 1 to 10). Moreover, interviews in all 35 organizations implied collection of more accurate data.

Findings: Important findings were identified. Whenever organizations implement a quality management process/EFQM, substantial improvements occur in organizations (implementation of management models). Additionally, a positive and very strong correlation was found between variables 1 and 2.

Practical implications: The study concludes that, the more an organization invests in quality management, the more effective are management models - improvement in management really occurs.

Originality/Value: There is a gap in literature regarding the impact of quality management on the effectiveness of management models. Our study helps to close this gap, contributing to the development of a new body of knowledge, by assessing this favourable impact.