Beyond Compliance: Identifying High-Performance Models and Critical Success Factors for Integrated Management System Effectiveness (A Systematic Review)

Abstract

Background: Organisations' interest in integrating management systems has emerged as a key strategy for improving organisational performance. Finding a model that fits the organisation's needs and optimises activities with the greatest possible benefit is one of the challenges faced by organisations that implement multiple management systems.

Objective: To identify models of management system integration with greater organisational effectiveness and efficiency in the scientific literature from 2010 to 2025.

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA methodology and using the PICO framework to formulate the research question. The Scopus and Web of Science databases (n = 591 initial articles) were consulted between 2010 and 2025 for articles that were accessible in full text, written in Spanish/English/Portuguese, and focused on management system integration models.

Results: Thirteen studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. The models were classified as: very high (n=3), high (n=5), medium (n=3) and low performance (n=2). Critical factors identified: organisational leadership, process approach (Plan, Do, Check and Act), high-level structure of the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) change management and contextual adaptability. Sixty-two per cent of models demonstrated high effectiveness with benefits in cost reduction and operational efficiency.

Conclusions: The models identified in this systematic review, which fall within the ‘very high’ and ‘high performance’ ranges, can be successfully implemented in multisectoral contexts through gradual approaches and effective leadership. To objectively select integration models, a multidimensional evaluation framework was developed.

Unique contribution: This study assesses the performance levels of integration models across six key dimensions: applicability, implementability, empirical evidence, regulatory compatibility, comprehensive approach, and transferability.

Key Recommendation: Future studies should conduct additional research to reinforce the findings of this study and thereby develop management models that facilitate improved system integration.