The variables and their respective measurement indicators were
obtained from the transverse axes of the EFQM model (EFQM.,
2003). As previously indicated, the elements that form the axes
are the sub-criteria of the EFQM model, although sub-criteria pertaining
to various criteria can be combined in each axis. In this
work, and according to the objectives considered, three transverse
axes were selected (KM, PMM and PM), as well as the KBR (see
Fig. 1).
Most studies that analyse the internal structure of the EFQM
model do not use the original measurement scales or the scores
obtained through the RADAR logic matrices. The literature confirms
the theoretical reliability of the data obtained through the validation
performed by independent external experts (Pannirselvam &
Ferguson, 2001). The reliability and validity of the original measures
of the EFQM model have also been confirmed by Bou-Llusar
et al. (2009) and Calvo-Mora et al. (2014).
The data were collected from the assessment processes according
to the RADAR (ResultseApproacheDeploymenteAssessment
and Review) logic, which the EFQM model uses to score the
level of excellence of organisations. The RADAR logic is a dynamic
assessment framework and a powerful management tool that
provides a structured approach to questioning the performance of
an organisation.
The elements of Approach, Deployment, Assessment and Review
are applied to Enablers; these elements analyse the evidence
of what the organisation is doing. The Results element is used to
assess the criteria related to the results. This analyses what the
organisation achieves, as a consequence of the efforts made. More
specifically, it establishes what an organisation needs to do to
(EFQM., 2013): (1) Determine the Results that it wants to obtain as
part of the process of producing its policy and strategy; (2) plan and
develop a series of solidly based and integrated Approaches, which
it takes to obtain the required results, now and in the future; (3)
Deploy the approaches systematically to assure complete implementation;
and (4) Assess and Review the approaches used, based
on the monitoring and analysis of the results achieved and on the
continuous learning activities. Finally, it will have to identify,
establish priorities for, plan and implement the improvements that
are necessary.
The scoring scale of the RADAR matrices for the Enablers is
divided into five intervals, ranging from values 0 (without evidence
or anecdotes) to 100 (total evidence). For the Results, the scale also
varies between 0 and 100, but the significance of the extreme
values changes, according to the type of result that is being analysed
(trend of the results, fulfilment of objectives, comparisons
with other companies, causes of the results or sphere of application).
Finally, we controlled for sector (1. Agriculture; 2. Industry;
and 3. Services) and ownership of the company (public vs. private).