The Emergence and Evolution of Benchmarking: A Management Fashion Perspective

Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 24 Issue 3, pp. 775-805, 2017 doi: 10.1108/BIJ-05-2016-0077

Posted: 3 Apr 2017

See all articles by Dag Øivind Madsen

Dag Øivind Madsen

University of South-Eastern Norway

Kåre Slåtten

Buskerud and Vestfold University College

Daniel Johanson

Norwegian School of Economics (NHH)

Date Written: March 15, 2017

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to make a contribution to the benchmarking literature by examining the historical emergence and evolution of benchmarking using the management fashion perspective as a theoretical lens.

Design/methodology/approach: The research approach followed in this paper can be characterized as explorative and theoretical. Insights from different data sources have been combined to provide a rich description of the emergence and evolution of benchmarking.

Findings: This analysis casts new light on several aspects of benchmarking’s emergence and evolution pattern. The characteristics of the benchmarking idea give it potential as a fashionable management tool. The widespread popularity and longevity of benchmarking can to a large extent be explained by the efforts of various actors to turn benchmarking into an institution.

Research limitations/implications: The paper is explorative and is limited by a reliance on secondary sources.

Originality/value: Although some researchers have noted that benchmarking could be viewed as a management fashion, management fashion theory has, only to a very limited extent, been used as a theoretical lens in the context of benchmarking. This research paper demonstrates that management fashion theory can provide valuable insights for research on benchmarking.

Keywords: Benchmarking, Evolution, Emergence, Management Tool, Management Concept, Management Fashion

JEL Classification: M10

Suggested Citation

Madsen, Dag Øivind and Slåtten, Kåre and Johanson, Daniel, The Emergence and Evolution of Benchmarking: A Management Fashion Perspective (March 15, 2017). Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 24 Issue 3, pp. 775-805, 2017 doi: 10.1108/BIJ-05-2016-0077, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2943779

Dag Øivind Madsen (Contact Author)

University of South-Eastern Norway ( email )

Bredalsveien 14
Hønefoss, Buskerud 3511
Norway

Kåre Slåtten

Buskerud and Vestfold University College ( email )

P.O. Box 235
Kongsberg, 3603
Norway

Daniel Johanson

Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) ( email )

Helleveien 30
Bergen, NO-5045
Norway

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