Published Paper Details:

The ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) is the most widely adopted international quality standard, implemented by more than one million organisations worldwide. Despite its popularity, the impact of ISO 9001 on organisational performance remains debated, with scholars reporting both positive and mixed results. This study empirically investigates the critical factors influencing the relationship between ISO 9001 QMS implementation and organisational performance in Sri Lanka, where limited research has been conducted. Using a structured questionnaire distributed across 83 ISO 9001-certified organisations, the study examined five independent variables leadership, resource availability, operational efficiency, performance evaluation, and improvement and their effect on organisational performance. Data analysis using regression and decision tree models revealed that performance evaluation was the strongest predictor of organisational performance, followed by improvement, operational efficiency, and resource availability. Leadership showed only a weak relationship in the Sri Lankan context. While respondents acknowledged improved product and service quality and customer satisfaction after certification, issues such as excessive documentation and rigid formats were noted as challenges. The findings contribute to the ongoing debate on ISO 9001 effectiveness and provide practical implications for managers to focus on robust evaluation systems and continuous improvement mechanisms rather than mere compliance.