Myths about management systems put to the test
Jun 17, 2021AuditFact checking the management systems of three leading standards: ISO 9001, ISO 45001 and ISO 14001
Management systems are familiar to company leaders across industries. While they are generally regarded favorably, they are not immune to critical reservations, which have given rise to 6 myths in recent decades. It is worth taking a closer look at and correcting these misconceptions, as they fail to recognize the added value of management systems.
Management systems objectives:
- Optimization of processes to achieve targets
- Prevention of errors and extra costs caused by flawed processes and decisions
- Trust building with customers, partners, employees and regulators
- Long-term adaptation of standards based on experience and user needs
Eli Whitney developed the first quality management system over 200 years ago. He had observed recurring problems in his factory that led to inefficient and faulty processes and was looking for sustainable solutions. According to his theories, no process changes should be made without approval, tasks should be distributed only to those with appropriate expertise, and problems and their causes should be solved the moment they occur.
Whitney's ideas were taken up, further developed, concretized and are now internationally recognized. The first management standard to emerge from this was ISO 9001 (quality management standard), published in 1987. The concept contained therein was adapted by an environmental and an occupational health and safety group which developed ISO 14001 (environmental management standard) and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety standard), respectively. They are now among the best-known and most widely used standards worldwide and are constantly being improved in committees with international participation using a consensus-based approach.
For all their popularity, some myths have developed around management systems, questioning their meaning and added value.