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Potentials And Risks Of Benchmarking

Author

Listed:
  • HANS DE BRUIJN

    (Department of Organization & Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands)

  • RUBEN VAN WENDEL DE JOODE

    (Department of Organization & Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands)

  • HAIKO VAN DER VOORT

    (Department of Organization & Management, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands)

Abstract

This article aims to explore some potentials and risks of benchmarking in environmental assessment. The dominant image derived from theory and empirical data is that benchmark tests tend to be based on quantitative measures, which, under certain conditions, produces perverse effects and bureaucracy.The answer to the central question — Can benchmarks be useful in environmental assessment? — is affirmative. The problem, however, is that due to an inherent characteristic of environmental issues, using quantitative measures will create perverse effects and bureaucracy thus reducing their effectiveness. This article proposes the formulation of rules of the game to increase the effectiveness of benchmarking. These rules are mutual agreements that regulate for instance who are allowed to use and interpret the figures.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans De Bruijn & Ruben Van Wendel De Joode & Haiko Van Der Voort, 2004. "Potentials And Risks Of Benchmarking," Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management (JEAPM), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 6(03), pages 289-309.
    • Handle: RePEc:wsi:jeapmx:v:06:y:2004:i:03:n:s1464333204001778
    DOI: 10.1142/S1464333204001778
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