The Utilisation of Quality Methods and Tools in Polish Enterprises as a Means of Achieving Sustainable Development

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to investigate the dynamics of changes in the level of awareness of the necessity for nonconformities analysis and changes in the percentage of using methods and tools quality that support the identification and assessment of nonconformities in Polish organisations with an implemented quality management system. Design/Methodology/Approach: This objective has been achieved through empirical research conducted using an interview method with a CATI technique, which was carried out in two stages. The first stage was conducted in 2015 among 384 enterprises from Poland that had implemented and certified a system compliant with the ISO 9001 standard. After 5 years the survey was repeated among micro and small organisations. In these groups, during the first stage, it was shown that both the level of awareness of the need for constant identification and assessment of nonconformities and the percentage of use of quality instrumentation were lower than in medium and large enterprises. Therefore, it was decided to check whether the situation had changed after a few years. Findings: Research has shown that the use of quality methods and tools in the surveyed enterprises has increased by more than 45% over a five-year period. It can be observed that more positive dynamic changes in the level of awareness of the necessity to identify and assess nonconformities and the percentage of organisations using support methods and tools have taken place in micro-sized organisations. Practical Implications: It would be beneficial to pursue an increased awareness of the advantages of continuous identification and assessment of nonconformities in enterprises. and the awareness of entrepreneurs of the positive impact of pro-quality methods and tools. By implementing a systematic approach to analysing any nonconformities, it is possible to optimise processes, which is a crucial aspect of sustainable development. Originality/Value: The results extend discussion about continuous identification and assessment of nonconformities in enterprises. The research not only enabled the level of awareness of the significance of continuous analysis of nonconformities and use of support instruments among respondents from micro and small enterprises to be determined, but also allowed for the estimation of the dynamics of change in the parameters under consideration.