The history of the EFQM Model

One of EFQM’s first actions after it was created was to set up a team of experts, from industry and academia. The role of the team was to develop a holistic framework that could be applied to any organisation, regardless of size or sector. The framework would be a reference point for what constituted good practice. The result was the EFQM Model.

The EFQM Model has been adopted by thousands of organisations of different sizes and from different sectors over the 30 years of its existence. Although it was originally created in response to the competitive threat to European organisations, it is now seen throughout the world as a practical framework for organisational change and performance improvement.

To encourage organisations to use the EFQM Model, an annual competition was established in 1992 to recognise the achievements of outstanding organisations. Hundreds of organisations, from both the public and private sector, have participated in these annual Awards, including Robert Bosch, BMW, VW, Xerox, Ricoh, Grundfos, Philips, EDF, as well as small less known organisations.

Although the EFQM Model has changed over time, to keep it relevant and to reflect changes in the global market place, the underlying values remain the same (see page 5 of the EFQM Model brochure). These values are supported by the members of EFQM and any organisation that chooses to use the EFQM Model.

You will also find an overview of the current version of the EFQM Model on the EFQM website.

If you are interested to see how the EFQM Model has changed since 1991, you might like to download the pdf file on previous versions of the EFQM Model.

Your Task

Please download the attached EFQM Model brochure. If you would like a copy in another language, please follow the link below.

Although EFQM is now a globally focussed organisation, its roots remain European, hence the reference to the specific guiding principles on page 5 of the brochure. Please take a few minutes to read this page and then click on the associated links to learn more about them.

What other sets of guiding principles are you aware of that offer similar sentiments?

Please add your thoughts in the comments section.