An Investigation into the Relationship between the Internal and External Motivations for The Adoption of Management Systems Certification and Productivity Benefits
Nirvana Inderlall, Dr Carol Smith

Abstract
The purpose of management system certification is to improve the performance of an organisation through the achievement of corporate objectives. However, the performance is linked to the reason for the adoption of certification. The aim of this study was to ascertain the relationship between the internal and external motivations for certification adoption and productivity amongst certified companies within KwaZulu-Natal. A quantitative approach was utilised and a survey questionnaire developed that included elements of internal motivations extracted from requirements within the various standards. The results demonstrate that there is a significant relationship between both the internal and external motivations and productivity benefits. ISO worldwide statistics indicate that South Africa Is lagging behind in terms of the number of certified firms. It Is suggested that government partner with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) to educate and offer incentives to assist organisations become certified.

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