Motives for implementing ISO 9000 – does enterprise size matter?

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to investigate the motives for obtaining an ISO 9000-certified quality management system in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and whether such motives differ between large companies and SMEs. Design/methodology/approach - This study employed a qualitative approach, using multiple case studies. The primary research consisted of interviews with top and middle managers in four organizations and was complemented with direct observation and documental analysis. Findings - The research findings confirmed the existing literature. The most common motivations for certification came from external pressure such as customer demand and ability to participate in public tender. It therefore validates that the classification of motives adopted for large companies is also appropriate for SMEs. The research also brought to light one implication of ISO certification that has escaped mention in the literature, namely, the distinction between primary and secondary motives. That is, companies driven by externally-driven motives to pursue ISO 9000 certification appreciated other benefits once they realized the full potential of the standard, leading to additional motivations. Practical implications - The study was restricted to a single region of Greece and a single sector, food and beverage industry. This study may provide key insight for managers to understand and appropriately evaluate motives for ISO 9000 certification and to save them from misinterpretation and hasty conclusions. Originality/value - Because the data gathered were longitudinal, this study offered a deep understanding of the true motives for ISO 9000 certification.