How Different Quality Methods Impact on Performance?

There are quite a few quality systems and methods for enterprises to choose when they pursue excellent performance. The question is: do these quality methods really improve performance? If yes, then how? This paper aims to investigate the effect of ISO 9000 systems, National Quality Award and Six Sigma on performance, and compare their ways to influence performance. Based on the literature, six hypotheses are formulated. A set of 543 empirical data was obtained from the Continuous Improvement Survey in 10 countries. Structural Equation Modeling was used to test the hypotheses. The results indicate a significant association between quality methods and performance, however, their influencing paths are very different. This research will contribute to the selection of individual quality method and the integration of them.