What is the International Quality Federation?

Mission:

The mission of the IQF is to promote quality improvement throughout the world.

Purpose:

The IQF will pursue its mission by cultivating environments which allow member societies and other organizations to work together to advance knowledge of quality.

Principles

Member-based government

The IQF will be governed by its member organizations.

No commercial operations

The IQF will not produce products or services in competition with commercial firms.  The IQF believes that it can best encourage the broadest range of products and services for the quality profession by providing encouragement and assistance to individuals and organizations, rather than by competing with them. The IQF believes that it is unfair for an organization that does not pay taxes, receives special postal rates and exemptions from the government, and has access to member dues to fund activities of questionable value, to "compete" with commercial organizations or individuals engaged in providing products and services to the quality profession. It also believes that entering into partnerships with commercial firms amounts implicitly to endorsing some firms while excluding others, and provides these partners with many of the unfair advantages of the non-profit entity. When a non-profit engages in commercial activities and partnerships it  inevitably leads to fewer products and services being available to the professional. As such, these activities move the IQF away from its mission. The excuse that "others are doing it" is not acceptable.

The IQF will encourage the development of products and services for quality improvement by providing reviewer services, notifying its members of opportunities, providing access to the IQF community, and by such other means that, in the opinion of the IQF leadership, promote a diversity of offerings for its members.

Member societies

IQF member societies are independent, autonomous not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the improvement of quality.

Are ASQ sections eligible to join the IQF?

ASQ sections are not independent organizations, they are extensions of the national organization. However, ASQ may join the IQF and would be welcome.

Are commercial organizations eligible to join the IQF?

No. The IQF is a professional society, not an industry or trade group. Of course, support from commercial firms and others is always welcome.

Are other federations, such as the EOQ, eligible to join the IQF?

Any independent, autonomous professional society is eligible to apply for IQF membership.

Individual members

Individuals interested in helping the IQF pursue its mission are encouraged to join the IQF. There are no member dues. Individuals are encouraged to seek others who share their interests.

Catalyst principle

Through its members, member societies, volunteers, and corporate sponsors the IQF will provide expertise to help other organizations to provide products and services for use by quality professionals.

Virtual community

The IQF will strive to provide a community in which the members and officers of member organizations can interact with one another for the improvement of quality.