Overcoming barriers to sustainable implementation of the ISO 9001 system

TLDR

Although many organizations report successful ISO 9001 adoption, implementation problems that threaten sustainability remain underexplored. The study investigates barriers to ISO 9000 implementation in China and proposes government reforms to strengthen supervision and control for effective auditing. A structural questionnaire survey was employed to examine the main barriers to effective ISO 9001 implementation among enterprises. Key barriers identified include short‑sighted certification goals, unrealistic expectations, mandatory but not wholehearted compliance, trend‑following, audit commitment gaps, intense competition among certifiers, and bundled consultancy‑certification services, with ISO 9000 already permeating all industrial sectors.

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore the barriers to implementation of ISO 9000 in China, and to identify how these barriers can be overcome. Design/methodology/approach Using a structural questionnaire survey, this paper examines the main barriers for enterprises in effective implementation of the ISO 9001 standard. Findings This paper highlights the problems in implementing the standard, which determines the sustainable implementation, including: short‐sighted goal for “getting certified”; over‐expectation on the ISO 9001 standard; mandatory requirement (not wholehearted commitment) in some industries; and following others (the trend) in certification. With regard to the effective audit of the ISO 9001 standard, the main problems were explored, including: lack of commitment from some certifying bodies; excessive competition between certifying bodies; and offering of a total packaged service from consultancy to certification by certifying bodies. Practical implications The ISO 9000 series have permeated into all industrial sectors. Although there are many stories of successful adoption of ISO 9001, problems in implementing the standards need to be explored, which may affect the sustainable implementation. Originality/value Based on the analysis, the paper proposes that the government should improve the legal framework and enforcement schemes to strengthen supervision and control for effective auditing of ISO 9000 standards.