EFQM Model and Sustainability of Organizations

Abstract

The longevity of organizations depends on the ability to deliver quality products or services to the customers. Starting with the 1920s the notion of quality in organizations has gained importance and currently millions of companies worldwide apply one model of quality management or the other. European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model is a prime example practiced throughout Europe. With the world resources being ever depleted at fast rate sustainability is also becoming a key issue in today’s business world. Sustainability and corporate social responsibility principles are generally in line with the EFQM model and have many common elements. This paper explains and demonstrates how the EFQM criteria and sustainability principles overlap. Examples will be given from reverse logistics and supply chain practices.