Effects of ISO certification on the performance of SMEs in Sweden in the context of Sustainable Development. Qualitative research with the focus on ISO 9000, 14000 and 26000

Sammanfattning: The issue that this study analyses is the assessment of the standardisation effects on SMEs. To address this problem, the purpose of the study was to explore the motivation of Swedish SMEs to acquire management standards introduced by ISO. To gather data, interviews with 3 Swedish SMEs were conducted. The interviews were transcribed and analysed. The collected data and conducted analysis led to the three most common motivations: more effective internal performance, improved corporate image, and improved relations with authorities. Among the negative factors, the complexity of standardisation procedure and the timeconsuming aspects of the standards adaptation were highlighted. Those are the factors that affect SMEs’ willingness to implement a certain standard in order to become more efficient in the context of sustainable development.