Perceptions about the ISO 9000 (2000) quality system standard revision and its value: the Dutch experience

Purpose - To assess the relative value of the 2000 version of the ISO 9000 series of quality management system standards in comparison with the 1994 version. Design/methodology/approach - A total of 773 organisations in The Netherlands which have all been certified to the ISO 9000 standard were surveyed (a response rate of 21.4 per cent) and of these only 22 had not yet converted to the 2000 version of the standard. Findings - Amongst the major findings is an overall positive perception of the value of the ISO 9000 (2000) quality system standard and a consistently higher appreciation of the 2000 version compared with the 1994 version. Originality/value - Adds to the body of knowledge concerning the ISO 9000 series with particular focus on The Netherlands and the 2000 version of the standard.