A study of the Baldrige Award framework using the applicant scoring data

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to take an in-depth look at the Baldrige Award framework by analysing the nature and strength of relationships between the Baldrige criteria. This study facilitates the prominent role that quality awards such as the Baldrige play in the implementation of total quality management (TQM) systems. We aim to fill a gap in the literature by utilising the original independent review scores of the Baldrige Award applicants obtained from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In addition, canonical correlation analysis is applied in order to evaluate the Baldrige Award framework from a new perspective. The findings confirm previous research that there is a strong relationship between all the Baldrige criteria. This paper specifically stresses the strong role of leadership in the Baldrige framework and provides managers with useful implications regarding the implementation of TQM practices. Companies need to bear in mind that concentrating on specific sections of the model is not adequate to attain excellence; instead a systematic approach that includes all elements of the framework should be adopted.