Evaluating ISO 9001:2000 Certified and Non-Certified Organizations in Brazilian Leather-Footwear Chain

This study analyzes the Management Practices and Results constructs from several ISO 9001:2000 certified and non-certified organizations in the Brazilian leather-footwear chain in order to identify possible differences in performance between those and to determine the Motivation construct that led these organizations to attain the certification. To achieve these objectives, a research survey was made by sending out an invitation by e-mail to complete a suitable questionnaire on the Internet. We received 130 replies, 45 from certified organizations and 85 from non-certified organizations. A validation process of the questionnaire was carried out. The factors extracted of the constructs presented positive and significant correlations in the certified organizations. These organizations also performed better in Management Practices and obtained superior Results than those of the non-certified organizations. It is suggested that the non-certified companies in the Brazilian leather-footwear chain should develop a specific motivation to obtain the ISO 9001:2000 certification in order to improve their businesses. The outcome of the research favors the implementation of such joint policies for quality along the value chain to improve industry competitiveness.