Effects of contextual variables on quality and performance

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine the moderating effects of three contextual variables (ISO 9000 registration, company size and scope of operations) on levels of quality management (QM) and on the effects of QM practices on performance. The paper uses data from 255 Malaysian electrical and electronics organisations using t-test, analysis of variance and hierarchical regressions as statistical tools. The results show that ISO-registered firms, larger firms and multinational firms have higher levels of QM. In addition, QM is more strongly and positively related to performance in larger, multinational firms and firms with quality certification.