An empirical study of the relationships within the categories of the EFQM model

Abstract

The relationships within the categories of the EFQM self-assessment model are analysed in this article, based on 242 independent assessments carried out in the European region with the highest density of EFQM awards (the Basque Autonomous Community, in Spain). The main finding of the article is that the relationships within the categories of the EFQM are robust, despite the fact that there exist relationships among some of its enablers and results that fail to reach a suitable level of validity. These findings coincide with the conclusions drawn from studies carried out previously for the Malcom Baldrige model. The conclusions drawn in the article may be of interest both for academic and professional spheres of activity.