We believe that the foundation for sustainable business success in any company lies in 6 building blocks: EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE, CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, LEADERSHIP, STRATEGY, INNOVATION, and AGILITY.
However, to put together those building blocks we believe the ISO standard can potentially be the glue that can also lead to improvements in various aspects of an organization and to sustainable business success.
The story of ISO standards begins with the establishment of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) itself, which has played a crucial role in developing and promoting international standards since its inception. Here’s an overview of the key milestones and developments in the history of ISO:
The formation of ISO: ISO was founded in 1947, with the primary objective of facilitating international coordination and unification of industrial standards. The headquarters of ISO is in Geneva, Switzerland.
The formation of ISO was driven by the recognition of the need for harmonization of standards to facilitate global trade, ensure interoperability of products and services, and promote safety, quality, and efficiency.
Early Years and Growth: In the early years, ISO focused on developing standards for industrial sectors such as manufacturing, engineering, and technology. The organization initially comprised representatives from 25 countries, which has since grown to over 160 member countries.
Expansion of Scope: Over the decades, ISO expanded its scope beyond traditional manufacturing industries to include standards for a wide range of sectors and disciplines. This includes standards for quality management, environmental management, information security, energy management, occupational health and safety, and more.
Development Process: ISO standards are developed through a consensus-based process involving experts, stakeholders, industry representatives, and government bodies from member countries. This process ensures that standards reflect current best practices, technological advancements, and global consensus.
Impact and Global Adoption: ISO standards have had a profound impact on global trade and commerce by providing a framework for organizations to demonstrate conformity to internationally recognized practices. ISO certification has become a mark of credibility and quality assurance for products, services, and management systems worldwide.
Continuous Improvement: ISO continues to evolve and update its standards to address emerging challenges, technological developments, and evolving societal needs. Standards are regularly reviewed and revised to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and applicability in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Recognition and Influence: ISO standards are widely recognized and respected across industries, governments, and regulatory bodies globally. They contribute to enhancing efficiency, promoting innovation, ensuring safety and quality, protecting the environment, and fostering sustainable development.
In summary, the story of ISO standards is one of international collaboration, standardization, and continuous improvement. From its beginnings focused on industrial sectors to its current broad scope covering diverse fields, ISO has played a pivotal role in shaping global standards that underpin quality, safety, efficiency, and sustainability in today’s interconnected world.
Let’s learn how the ISO standards support the building blocks for sustainable business success in our next publication.
