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Benchmarking as a Mixed Metaphor: Disentangling Assumptions of Competition and Collaboration

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  • Julie R. Wolfram Cox
  • Leon Mann
  • Danny Samson

Abstract

Examination of the management literature on benchmarking reveals that the concept conveys a mixed metaphor. While collaboration among benchmarking partners is advocated, description of benchmarking practice is dominated by principles and language that convey notions of competition. The `competitive' approach to benchmarking is due to four narrow, constricting assumptions: (1) that the motivation behind benchmarking is to improve and reduce a performance gap relative to some superior comparison other, (2) that benchmarking is a formal, organizationally sanctioned means of competing with others, including partners, (3) that benchmarking involves comparison through measurement or marking, and (4) that benchmarking is an activity initiated (and assessable) by one party. Two opposing concepts of benchmarking (as competition) and benchmarking (as collaboration) are introduced to develop a model for predicting the degree of competition and/or collaboration involved in relationships between benchmarking parties. Key factors within this model include context, activities, partnership and outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie R. Wolfram Cox & Leon Mann & Danny Samson, 1997. "Benchmarking as a Mixed Metaphor: Disentangling Assumptions of Competition and Collaboration," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 34(2), pages 285-314, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:jomstd:v:34:y:1997:i:2:p:285-314
    DOI: 10.1111/1467-6486.00052
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    Cited by:

    1. John Henneberry & Claire Roberts, 2008. "Calculated Inequality? Portfolio Benchmarking and Regional Office Property Investment in the UK," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 45(5-6), pages 1217-1241, May.
    2. Francesc Prior & Antonio Argandoña, 2009. "Best Practices in Credit Accessibility and Corporate Social Responsibility in Financial Institutions," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 87(1), pages 251-265, April.
    3. Mohammed Alosani & Hassan Al-Dhaafri & Rushami Yusoff, 2016. "Mechanism of Benchmarking and Its Impact on Organizational Performance," International Journal of Business and Management, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 11(10), pages 172-172, September.
    4. Stacey Beaumont & Raluca Ratiu & David Reeb & Glenn Boyle & Philip Brown & Alexander Szimayer & Raymond Silva Rosa & David Hillier & Patrick McColgan & Athanasios Tsekeris & Bryan Howieson & Zoltan Ma, 2016. "Comments on Shan and Walter: ‘Towards a Set of Design Principles for Executive Compensation Contracts’," Abacus, Accounting Foundation, University of Sydney, vol. 52(4), pages 685-771, December.

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