En route to a theory of benchmarking

Abstract

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to review the epistemology of benchmarking and identify methodological elements of a theory of benchmarking. Design/methodology/approach -A thematic approach is applied to origins, primal and functional definitions of benchmarking. Findings -Benchmarking remains theoretically underdetermined, with publications focusing on pragmatism and praxis rather than epistemology. Analysis of the literature leads to a new definition of benchmarking focusing around the teleological processes that lead to state-transformation of organizations. Research limitations/implications -A theoretical foundation for benchmarking should be consistent with current organizational paradigms. Going forward the paper aims to develop a theory of benchmarking based on illustrative model derived from the thematic review. Practical implications -The paper initiates the development of a more rigorous theoretical base for future benchmarking practice, which will strengthen organizations' business cases for undertaking such processes. Originality/value -Recasts much of the extant literature in beginning to focus on the fundamentals of benchmarking.

Development of a Preliminary Model for Evaluating Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management Maturity in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

“…Measurable indicators play an important role in the process of improving OHS risk management performance in businesses [29]. They allow comparisons of different situations and provide reliable and meaningful information on relevant phenomena [31] and appear to be indispensable for sound decision-making and getting staff involved and committed to implementing actions designed to improve OHS risk management [30].…”

“…This is important for effective management, facilitates decision-making and solicits the commitment of company staff to the implementation of effective measures [30,31].…”

“…All of the models of maturity measurement cited above are based on the use of indicators [31,42,56,62,63]. Measurable indicators play an important role in the process of improving OHS risk management performance in businesses [29].…”

“…Based on actual investigation, this guide emphasizes that the implementation of indicators may encounter several obstacles, including the absence of standardized practices or of reference criteria in the studied sector of activity. One study reached the conclusion that benchmarking should be considered the most appropriate method of comparing proactive indicators and their impact on businesses [31]. The proactive indicators mentioned most often in the literature are listed below in Table 1.…”

“…One study reached the conclusion that benchmarking should be considered the most appropriate 383 method of comparing proactive indicators and their impact on businesses [31]. The proactive…”