Dear friends,
In accordance with cl. 5.4.1 ISO 9001 quality objectives have to be "established at relevant functions and levels WITHIN the organization". My question: Is it acceptable to establish quality objectives ONLY for organization's top level without cascading ones to departments levels (if so) and low level functions? What does WITHIN mean? Is it the same as INSIDE? Unfortunately ISO Guides does not clarify this topic. Any opinion will be appreciated.
Vladimir
Vladimir,
Consider for a moment what helps the levels and functions to fulfill the quality objectives.
It is the management system and its processes. Indeed, it is important not to have powerful people working against the organization's process-based management system.
As well as product requirement (7.1a) many organizations align their quality objectives to the data streams specified in clause 8.4.
These objectives may be assigned to one or two processes or to the entire core process that runs from customer needs to satisfied customers. Of course, these processes form part of the management system and have people working
within them.
The procedures for these processes define responsibilities and authorities for making sure their processes are effective or meeting objectives. And, of course, the people
within these processes know what they are doing to fulfill the objectives.
Accordingly, I doubt top management would keep all the responsibility and authority to themselves for fulfilling all the quality objectives. But some may choose not to delegate any of their authority and take full responsibility for their system as a whole fulfilling one or two objectives such as satisfying customers or delivering performance that is in the top quartile for their industry.
I hope this helps,
John