Using structural equation modelling to test ISO 9000 motivation, depth of ISO implementation and performance of Iranian manufacturing organisations

The purpose of this study is to empirically examine how motivation of ISO 9000 certified organisations impacts the depth of ISO 9000 implementation and how the depth of ISO 9000 implementation impacts organisational performance of Iranian manufacturing organisations in Kermanshah province. A survey questionnaire was distributed to 250 ISO 9000 certified companies located in the aforementioned province and a total of 191 usable responses were returned yielding a response rate of 76.4%. Using structural equation modelling, the relationship between ISO 9000 motivation and ISO 9000 implementation depth and how implementation depth influences firm performance was surveyed. The results demonstrated that internal motivation had a positive relationship with depth of ISO 9000 implementation and internal motivation mediates the relationship between external motivation and ISO implementation depth. Additionally, external motivation had no statistically significant relationship with ISO implementation depth and weakened the relationship between ISO 9000 implementation depth and performance. Furthermore, the implementation of ISO 9000 directly and positively influences organisational performance of survey companies.