he purpose of this study is to compare several prominent quality awards based on their common criteria. Six best-known quality awards were used and analyzed to identify common quality award criteria. Trends of research on Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award ( MBNQA ) and European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Award were examined along with award recipients. The results of the study showed that the portion of manufacturing MBNQA winners has decreased steadily during recent years, while the portion of manufacturing firms in EFQM award winners remained steady for the time period studied. Also, health care and education related studies have increased steadily for both quality awards and now become most commonly studied quality award areas. Quality awards criteria appear to change continuously, reflecting the new demands of the changing market environment.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT] Erratum DOI: 10.1007/s11628-013-0190-1