Does culture matter for the EFQM model application?

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to analyse which kind of organisational culture is most suitable for the successful application of the EFQM model in the manufacturing sector. Partial Least Squares (PLS) was employed with data from a sample of 200 Spanish companies. Two managers in each organisation provided the data for analysis. The results of the empirical analysis identify the relationships between some of the variables, and contribute to the understanding of how the organisational culture can be a key factor in the company’s success by facilitating the utilisation of the EFQM enabling criteria. This research highlights the importance of an orientation towards a culture of control and stability that can support the use of the principles and results suggested by the EFQM model. The research fills the gap in the literature regarding the relationship between organisational culture and EFQM model application. The findings suggest the possibility that TQM and the EFQM model could require different organisational cultures for success.