The ISO 9001 standard states that the quality policy shall be understood, implemented, and maintained at all levels. When the auditor interviewed the operators about the company quality policy they answered: "to make your best, to work harder, the customer is always right," etc. The auditor issued nonconformity for personnel not being aware of the company quality policy.

On a return audit, the auditor again asked operators about the company quality policy. To auditor's surprise he received many of the same answers such as: "get to work on time, tells the boss," etc. Again the auditor wrote up a nonconformity report but the auditee management refused to accept the nonconformity because they have proof that everyone knows the quality policy. The proof was that on the last payday, all employees hat to sign a statement saying they read and understood the quality policy before they could get their paycheck. The company had signed statement from all employees.

Questions:

Important notes: Justify your responses using smart knowledge.

1. Who is right? 2. Is there nonconformity? If so what is it?

3. What is the audit principle?