Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A Supply Chain View on Certification Standards: Does Supply Chain Certification Improve Performance Outcomes?

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and New Management Standards

Part of the book series: Measuring Operations Performance ((MEOP))

Abstract

This paper aims to report the results of an empirical study, examining the perceived performance implications of quality, environmental and occupational health and safety certifications (i.e., ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and OHSAS 18001) at the supply chain level considering certifications of both the buyer and supplier. To assess the perceived performance implication of certifications at the supply chain level we collected survey data in Ireland from manufacturing plants. Our results indicate that certifications at the supply chain level lead to higher perceived performance outcomes for environmental certifications (i.e., ISO 14001) and occupational health and safety certifications (i.e., OHSAS 18001). However, our results could not confirm our hypothesis that quality certification (i.e., 9001) at the supply chain level leads to higher perceived quality performance. This study represents one of the first attempts to assess the impact of certifications on its intended performance dimensions at the supply chain level. The research takes into consideration different certifications at both the buyer’s and supplier’s plant.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abad J, Dalmau I, Vilajosana J (2014) Taxonomic proposal for integration levels of management systems based on empirical evidence and derived corporate benefits. J Clean Prod 78(1):164–173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Abad J, Lafuente E, Vilajosana J (2013) An assessment of the OHSAS 18001 certification process: objective drivers and consequences on safety performance and labour productivity. Saf Sci 60:47–56

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arimura TH, Darnall N, Ganguli R, Katayama H (2016) The effect of ISO 14001 on environmental performance: resolving equivocal findings. J Environ Manage 166:556–566

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arimura TH, Darnall N, Katayama H (2011) Is ISO 14001 a gateway to more advanced voluntary action? The case of green supply chain management. J Environ Econ Manage 61(2):170–182

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arimura TH, Hibiki A, Katayama H (2008) Is a voluntary approach an effective environmental policy instrument? A case for environmental management systems. J Environ Econ Manage 55(3):281–295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bansal P, Roth K (2000) Why companies go green: a model of ecological responsiveness. Acad Manage J 43(4):717–736

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Barla P (2007) ISO 14001 certification and environmental performance in Quebec’s pulp and paper industry. J Environ Econ Manage 53(3):291–306

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Benner MJ, Veloso FM (2008) ISO 9000 practices and financial performance: a technology coherence perspective. J Oper Manage 26(5):611–629

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bernardo M, Casadesus M, Karapetrovic S, Heras I (2009) How integrated are environmental, quality and other standardized management systems? An empirical study. J Clean Prod 17(8):742–750

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blackman A (2012) Does eco-certification boost regulatory compliance in developing countries? ISO 14001 in Mexico. J Regul Econ 42(3):242–263

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boiral O, Henri JF (2012) Modelling the impact of ISO 14001 on environmental performance: a comparative approach. J Environ Manage 99:84–97

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bottani E, Monica L, Vignali G (2009) Safety management systems: performance differences between adopters and non-adopters. Saf Sci 47(2):155–162

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burgen S, Phillips T (2011) Zara Accused in Brazil Sweatshop Inquiry [Online]. Available: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2011/aug/18/zara-brazil-sweatshop-accusation [Accessed 22/04/2016]

  • Campos LM, de Melo Heizen DA, Verdinelli MA, Miguel PAC (2015) Environmental performance indicators: a study on ISO 14001 certified companies. J Clean Prod 99:286–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chang J.I. and Liang C.L. (2009), “Performance evaluation of process safety management systems of paint manufacturing facilities”, Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, Vol. 22 No., pp. 398–402

    Google Scholar 

  • Castka P, Balzarova M (2008) The impact of ISO 9000 and ISO 14000 on standardisation of social responsibility—an inside perspective. Int J Prod Econ 113(1):74–87

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chatzoglou P, Chatzoudes D, Kipraios N (2015) The impact of ISO 9000 certification on firms’ financial performance. Int J Oper Prod Manage 35(1):145–174

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen CC (2005) Incorporating green purchasing into the frame of ISO 14000. J Clean Prod 13(9):927–933

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiarini A (2012) Designing an environmental sustainable supply chain through ISO 14001 standard. Manage Environ Qual Int J 24(1):16–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Choi T, Fan D, Lo CK (2012) A tough pill to swallow? The impact of voluntary occupational health and safety management system on firms’ financial performance in fashion and textiles industries. J Fashion Market Manag: Int J 16(2):128–140

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi TY, Hong Y (2002) Unveiling the structure of supply networks: case studies in Honda, Acura, and DaimlerChrysler. J Oper Manage 20:469–493

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Cole RE (1998) Learning from the quality movement: what did and didn’t happen and why? Calif Manage Rev 41(1):43–73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Corbett CJ, Montes-Sancho MJ, Kirsch DA (2005) The financial impact of ISO 9000 certification in the United States: AN empirical analysis. Manage Sci 51(7):1046–1059

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curkovic S, Melnyk S, Handfield R, Calantone R (2000) Investigating the linkage between total quality management and environmentally responsible manufacturing. IEEE Trans Eng Manage 47(4):444–464

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curkovic S, Sroufe R (2011) Using ISO 14001 to promote a sustainable supply chain strategy. Bus Strategy Environ 20(2):71–93

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darnall N, Jolley GJ, Handfield R (2008) Environmental management systems and green supply chain management: complements for sustainability? Bus Strategy Environ 17(1):30–45

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • De Vries HJ, Bayramoglu DK, van der Wiele T (2012) Business and environmental impact of ISO 14001. Int J Qual Reliab Manage 29(4):425–435

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dick G (2000) ISO 9000 certification benefits, reality or myth? The TQM Mag 12(6):365–371

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dick GP, Heras I, Casadesús M (2008) Shedding light on causation between ISO 9001 and improved business performance. Int J Oper Prod Manage 28(7):687–708

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ESB (2016) ESB Supplier Charter (online). Available: https://www.esb.ie/docs/default-source/procurement/esb-supplier-charter. Accessed 11 Apr 2016

  • Fernández-Muñiz B, Montes-Peón JM, Vázquez-Ordás CJ (2009) Relation between occupational safety management and firm performance. Saf Sci 47(7):980–991

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Muñiz B, Montes-Peón JM, Vázquez-Ordás CJ (2012a) Occupational risk management under the OHSAS 18001 standard: analysis of perceptions and attitudes of certified firms. J Clean Prod 24:36–47

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fernández-Muñiz B, Montes-Peón JM, Vázquez-Ordás CJ (2012b) Safety climate in OHSAS 18001-certified organisations: antecedents and consequences of safety behaviour. Accid Anal Prev 45:745–758

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gray JV, Anand G, Roth AV (2015) The influence of ISO 9000 certification on process compliance. Prod Oper Manage 24(3):369–382

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grimm JH, Hofstetter JS, Sarkis J (2014) Critical factors for sub-supplier management: A sustainable food supply chains perspective. Int J Prod Econ 152(1):159–173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gualandris J, Kalchschmidt M (2014) Customer pressure and innovativeness: their role in sustainable supply chain management. J Purch Supply Manage 20(2):92–103

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gualandris J, Kalchschmidt M (2016) Developing environmental and social performance: the role of suppliers’ sustainability and buyer–supplier trust. Int J Prod Res 54(8):1–17

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guler I, Guillen MF, Macpherson JM (2002) Global competition, institutions, and the diffusion of organizational practices: the international spread of the ISO 9000 quality certificates. Adm Sci Q 47(2):207–232

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Han SB, Chen SK, Ebrahimpour M (2007) The impact of ISO 9000 on TQM and business performance. J Bus Econ Stud 13(2):1–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Handfield R, Sroufe R, Walton S (2005) Integrating environmental management and supply chain strategies. Bus Strategy Environ 14(1):1–19

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hohnen P, Hasle P (2011) Making work environment auditable—a ‘critical case’ study of certified occupational health and safety management systems in Denmark. Saf Sci 49:1022–1029

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hora M, Bapuji H, Roth AV (2011) Safety hazard and time to recall: The role of recall strategy, product defect type, and supply chain player in the US toy industry. J Oper Manage 29(7–8):766–777

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Huo B, Han Z, Prajogo D (2014) The effect of ISO 9000 implementation on flow management”. Int J Prod Res 52:6467–6481

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hutcheson G, Sofroniou N (1999) The multivariate social scientist: introductory statistics using generalized linear models. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Hwang I, Radhakrishnan S, Su L (2006) Vendor certification and appraisal: implications for supplier quality. Manag Sci 52(10):1472–1482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • ISO Central Secretariat (2009a) Selection and use of the ISO 9000 family of standards. http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_9000_selection_and_use-2009.pdf. 22 Sept 2015

  • ISO Central Secretariat (2009b) Environmental management – The ISO 14000 family of international standards. http://www.iso.org/iso/theiso14000family_2009.pdf. 22 Sept 2015

  • King AA, Lenox MJ, Terlaak A (2005) The strategic use of decentralized institutions: Exploring certification with the ISO 14001 management standard. Acad Manag J 48(6):1091–1106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klassen R, Vachon S (2003) Collaboration and evaluation in the supply chain: the impact on plant-level environmental investment. Prod Oper Manage 12(3):336–352

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kline P (1979) Psychometrics and psychology. Acaderric Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Koplin J, Seuring S, Mesterharm M (2007) Incorporating sustainability into supply management in the automotive industry—the case of the Volkswagen AG. J Clean Prod 15(11–12):1053–1062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Krause DR, Handfield RB, Tyler BB (2007) The relationships between supplier development, commitment, social capital accumulation and performance improvement. J Oper Manage 25:528–545

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lafuente E, Bayo-Moriones A, García-Cestona M (2010) ISO-9000 certification and ownership structure: effects upon firm performance. Br J Manage 21(3):649–665

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lam PT, Chan EH, Chau C, Poon C, Chun K (2011) Environmental management system vs green specifications: how do they complement each other in the construction industry? J Environ Manage 92:788–795

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lambert DM, Cooper MC (2000) Issues in supply chain management. Ind Mark Manage 29:65–83

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee AH, Kang HY, Hsu CF, Hung HC (2009) A green supplier selection model for high-tech industry. Expert Syst Appl 36(4):7917–7927

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levine DI, Toffel MW (2010) Quality management and job quality: how the ISO 9001 standard for quality management systems affects employees and employers. Manage Sci 56(6):978–996

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lo CK, Pagell M, Fan D, Wiengarten F, Yeung AC (2014) OHSAS 18001 certification and operating performance: the role of complexity and coupling. J Oper Manage 32:268–280

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lo CK, Wiengarten F, Humphreys P, Yeung AC, Cheng T (2013) The impact of contextual factors on the efficacy of ISO 9000 adoption. J Oper Manage 31:229–235

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lund-Thomsen P, Lindgreen A (2014) Corporate social responsibility in global value chains: where are we now and where are we going? J Bus Ethics 123(1):11–22

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Maloni MJ, Brown ME (2006) Corporate social responsibility in the supply chain: an application in the food industry. J Bus Ethics 68(1):35–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Marshall D, McCarthy L, McGrath P, Claudy M (2016) Going above and beyond: How sustainability culture and entrepreneurial orientation drive social sustainbility supply chain practice adoption. Supply Chain Manage Int J 20(4):434–454

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Melnyk SA, Sroufe RP, Calantone RJ (2003) A model of site-specific antecedents of ISO 14001 certification. Prod Oper Manage 12(3):369–385

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Meyer JW, Rowan B (1977) Institutionalized organizations: formal structure as myth and ceremony. Am J Sociol 83(2):340–363

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Montabon F, Sroufe R, Narasimhan R (2007) An examination of corporate reporting, environmental management practices and firm performance. J Oper Manage 25(5):998–1014

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morris PW (2006) ISO 9000 and financial performance in the electronics industry. J Am Acad Bus 8(2):227–235

    Google Scholar 

  • Nawrocka D, Brorson T, Lindhqvist T (2009) ISO 14001 in environmental supply chain practices. J Clean Prod 17(16):1435–1443

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nishitani K, Kaneko S, Fujii H, Komatsu S (2012) Are firms’ voluntary environmental management activities beneficial for the environment and business? An empirical study focusing on Japanese manufacturing firms. J Environ Manage 105:121–130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Norrman A, Jansson U (2004) Ericsson’s proactive supply chain risk management approach after a serious sub-supplier accident. Int J Phys Distrib Logist Manage 34(5):434–456

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nunnally JC (1978) Psychometric theory. McGraw Hill, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • OHSAS Project Group (2011) Results of the survey into the availability of OH&S standards and certificates, up until 2009-12-31. http://ohsas18001expert.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/2009-OHSAS-Certificates-Survey-Results.pdf. Assessed on 07 Feb 13

  • Pagell M, Shevchenko A (2014) Why research in sustainable supply chain management should have no future. J supp chain manag 50(1):44–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Pagell M, Wu Z, Wasserman ME (2010) Thinking differently about purchasing portfolios: an assessment of sustainable sourcing. J Supply Chain Manage 46(1):57–73

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Podsakoff PM, MacKenzie SB, Lee J, Podsakoff NP (2003) Common method bias in behavioral research: a critical review of the literature and recommended remedies. J Appl Psychol 88(5):879–903

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Potoski M, Prakash A (2005) Covenants with weak swords: ISO 14001 and facilities’ environmental performance. J Policy Anal Manage 24(4):745–769

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prajogo D, Huo B, Han Z (2012) The effects of different aspects of ISO 9000 implementation on key supply chain management practices and operational performance. Supply Chain Manage Int J 17(3):306–322

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Psomas EL, Pantouvakis A, Kafetzopoulos DP (2013) The impact of ISO 9001 effectiveness on the performance of service companies. Manage Serv Qual Int J 23(2):149–164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi G, Zeng S, Yin H, Lin H (2013) ISO and OHSAS certifications: how stakeholders affect corporate decisions on sustainability. Manage Decis 51:1983–2005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qi Y, Zhao X, Sheu C (2011) The impact of competitive strategy and supply chain strategy on business performance: the role of environmental uncertainty. Decision Sci 42(2):371–389

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenzweig ED, Roth AV (2004) Towards a theory of competitive progression: evidence from high‐tech manufacturing. Prod Oper Manag 13(4):354–368

    Google Scholar 

  • Sharma DS (2005) The association between ISO 9000 certification and financial performance. Int J Account 40(2):151–172

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shin H, Collier DA, Wilson DD (2000) Supply management orientation and supplier/buyer performance. J oper manag 18(3):317–333

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh PJ, Power D, Chuong SC (2011) A resource dependence theory perspective of ISO 9000 in managing organizational environment. J Oper Manage 29:49–64

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Srivastav AK (2011) ISO 9000 as an organisation development intervention. TQM J 23(3):313–325

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Staw BM, Epstein LD (2000) What band wagons bring: effects of popular management techniques on corporate performance, reputation, and CEO pay. Adm Sci Q 45(3):523–556

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Starke F, Eunni RV, Manoel Martins Dias Fouto N, Felisoni de Angelo C (2012) Impact of ISO 9000 certification on firm performance: evidence from Brazil. Manage Res Rev 35(10):974–997

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Testa F, Rizzi F, Daddi T, Gusmerotti NM, Frey M, Iraldo F (2014) EMAS and ISO 14001: the differences in effectively improving environmental performance. J Clean Prod 68:165–173

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vachon S, Klassen RD (2006) Green project partnership in the supply chain: the case of the package printing industry. J Clean Prod 14:661–671

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vanpoucke E, Vereecke A, Boyer KK (2014) Triggers and patterns of integration initiatives in successful buyer–supplier relationships. J Oper Manage 32:15–33

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vinodkumar M, Bhasi M (2011) A study on the impact of management system certification on safety management. Saf Sci 49(3):498–507

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Weick K, Sutcliffe K, Obstfeld D (1999) Organizing for high reliability: processes of collective mindfulness. Res Organ Behav 21:23–81

    Google Scholar 

  • Westphal JD, Gulati R, Shortell SM (1997) Customization or conformity? An institutional and network perspective on the content and consequences of TQM adoption. Adm Sci Q 42(2):366–394

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiengarten F, Pagell M, Fynes B (2013) ISO 14000 certification and investments in environmental supply chain management practices: identifying differences in motivation and adoption levels between Western European and North American companies. J Clean Prod 56:18–28

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wilhelm MM, Blome C, Bhakoo V, Paulraj A (2016) Sustainability in multi-tier supply chains: Understanding the double agency role of the first-tier supplier. J Oper Manage 41:42–60

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zobel T (2013) ISO 14001 certification in manufacturing firms: a tool for those in need or an indication of greenness? J Clean Prod 43:37–44

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zutshi A, Sohal AS (2004) Adoption and maintenance of environmental management systems: critical success factors. Manage Environ Qual Int J 15(4):399–419

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Operations, Innovation and Data Sciences, ESADE Business School, Sant Cugat, Spain

    Frank Wiengarten

  2. School of Business, Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Letterkenny, Ireland

    George Onofrei

  3. Department of Management and Leadership, Ulster University Business School, Newtownabbey, UK

    Paul Humphreys

  4. School of Business, UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School, Blackrock, Ireland

    Brian Fynes

Authors
  1. Frank Wiengarten
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. George Onofrei
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Paul Humphreys
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Brian Fynes
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to George Onofrei .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Management, University of the Basque Country, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain

    Iñaki Heras-Saizarbitoria

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Wiengarten, F., Onofrei, G., Humphreys, P., Fynes, B. (2018). A Supply Chain View on Certification Standards: Does Supply Chain Certification Improve Performance Outcomes?. In: Heras-Saizarbitoria, I. (eds) ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and New Management Standards. Measuring Operations Performance. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-65675-5_11

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation