Implementation of ISO 9000 or Ford’s Q1 Award: effects on organizational knowledge and application of TQM principles and quality tools

Compares three different groups of employees, within Ford Australia, to determine the extent to which TQM principles and quality tools are applied. By means of a survey instrument and a two‐tailed t‐test for independent samples, concludes that, while ISO 9000 is not a prescription for TQM, implementation increased the application of TQM principles and quality tools. A significantly greater increase was achieved by implementing Ford’s Q1 Award process resulting in the recommendation to implement Q1 in all Ford’s non‐manufacturing divisions.