| Compliance with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000 quality standards has been lauded as a significant factor for economic development and for effecting positive social changes in both developed and developing countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the extent to which ISO 9000 quality management standards are related to sustained economic development. Theories of economic development by Rogers, Dunning, Solow, and Wallerstein provided the theoretical basis for the study. Research questions addressed in the study included (a) whether a significant correlation exists between gross domestic product (GDP) and ISO 9000 quality management certificates, and (b) whether foreign direct investments (FDI), manufacturing value added (MVA), and exports of manufactured goods (EXP), and technology development influence this relationship. Data collected between 1993 and 2008 for GDP, ISO 9000 Certificates, FDI, MVA, and EXP collected from the International Organization for Standardization, the United Nations Development Program, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development databases were included. Mediation regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The primary findings indicated that (a) national compliance with ISO 9000 quality management certificates has positive and significant correlation with GDP growth, and (b) MVA, EXP and technology significantly mediated the relationship between ISO 9000 quality management certificates and GDP growth. Implications for social change include helping developing nations to better understand the value of ISO 9000 quality management standards in economic development planning and policies that could lead to sustained economic development. |
