A critique of benchmarking and performance measurement

Karen Anderson, Rodney McAdam

Benchmarking An International Journal · 2004 · 131 citations · 50 references

Concepts

TL;DR

The paper critiques existing benchmarking and performance measurement literature, focusing on the novel concept of lead benchmarking as a potential driver of radical and innovative organizational transformation. The study defines lead benchmarking and performance measurement as forward‑looking, predictive comparisons and poses several questions for further investigation. The authors propose to address these questions through rich empirical research that will detail the what, where, who, how, and why of lead benchmarking and its organizational adoption. The critique concludes that benchmarking and performance measurement must undergo radical, innovative transformation to keep pace with dynamic business environments.

Abstract

This paper succinctly critiques the benchmarking literature and the performance measurement literature in regards to the novel concept of lead benchmarking as a possible means of achieving increased radical and innovative transformation in organizations. For the purposes of the paper, a working definition of lead benchmarking and performance measurement is: benchmarking and performance measurement, which focuses on analysing forward looking, predictive and future performance comparisons. This critique distinctly highlights that the currency of benchmarking and performance measurement needs a radical and indeed innovative transformation to adhere to the dynamics of the business environment. This critique raises various questions of interest. These issues will be investigated later through further research by conducting rich empirical research, whereby descriptions and explanations will be developed of the what, where, who, how and why of the benchmarking concept and the extent to which organizations carry out lead benchmarking

References

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