Was kann der Apfel von der Birne lernen, oder wozu brauchen Unternehmen Benchmarking?

Cornelia Hegele () and Peter Walgenbach ()
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Cornelia Hegele: Lehrstuhl für ABWL und Organisaiton, Universität Mannheim, Postal: D-68131 Mannheim
Peter Walgenbach: Lehrstuhl für ABWL und Organisation und Sonderforschungsbereich 504, Postal: D-68131 Mannheim

No 99-09, Sonderforschungsbereich 504 Publications from Sonderforschungsbereich 504, Universität Mannheim, Sonderforschungsbereich 504, University of Mannheim

Abstract: The study deals with the question of why Benchmarking is experiencing such an overwhelming upswing. One possible explanation is presented, wherein Benchmarking is seen as a continuation and a further development of classic management theory. An analysis of the similarities and differences between Benchmarking and Taylor's concept of Scientific Management shows that Benchmarking is an attractive instrument for management. The analysis clarifies that Benchmarking's potential for rationalization is not only on the level of individual activities, as was the case with Taylor, but must be placed on a more abstract level. Benchmarking deals with whole processes and process chains. But despite the rationality that Benchmarking can be certified as a method, this is not enough to explain this concept's increasing spread plausibly. For example, it does not become clear what it is that motivates the (industry's) best to be available as a benchmark for other companies. A possible explanation for this behavior is that Benchmarking is a method for emulating price and quality competition, and that it can be used in this regard to increase employees' performance.

Pages: 25 pages
Date: 1999-02-17
Note: Financial Support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, SFB 504, at the University of Mannheim, is gratefully acknowledged.
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