PurposeThe study aims to examine the joint effect of total quality management (TQM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and organizational performance on organizational excellence.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the goal of this study through the hypothesized model, a survey questionnaire research design was employed. The data were collected from a Dubai Police organization. Out of 550 questionnaires, 320 questionnaires were returned. The structural equation modelling (SEM) partial least squares approach was used to analyze the data for measurement and structural models.FindingsThe statistical results confirmed the positive and significant effects of TQM, ERP and organizational performance on organizational excellence. The mediation role of organizational performance between TQM, ERP and organizational excellence also was confirmed.Practical implicationsThroughout this study, further details and valuable implications have been discussed. Findings provide several practical implications. Findings also help practitioners and managers make proper decisions when implementing TQM, ERP and excellence practices in their organizations. With the joint effect of TQM, ERP and organizational performance, organizations can achieve maximum strong excellence and remain in a competitive market. This current study presents potential to be used in didactical initiatives.Originality/valueThis study is a unique empirical research that examines the joint effect of TQM, ERP and performance on excellence relationships. In other words, the current study is one of the few studies that investigate the mediating role of organizational performance beside the organizational excellence as the ultimate variable in developing country, specifically in UAE.