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The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/1463-5771.htm BIJ
19,4/5

Evolving benchmarking practices: a review for research perspectives 444

Paul Hong
Department of Information Operations and Technology Management,
University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, USA

Soon W. Hong
Department of Industrial Engineering and Management,
Youngdong University, Chungbuk, South Korea

James Jungbae Roh
Rohrer College of Business, Rowan University, Glassboro,
New Jersey, USA, and

Kihyun Park
Department of Management, Robert Morris University, Moon Township,
Pennsylvania, USA
Abstract
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to review a major section of the literature on benchmarking practices in order to achieve better perspectives for emerging benchmarking research streams.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines the benchmarking literature and presents a framework that suggests evolving patterns of firms’ benchmarking practices. This paper examines the studies published in Benchmarking: An International Journal and other articles related to benchmarking practices in major Strategic Management, OM/SCM, and Technology Management journals from 2001 to 2010.
Findings – Benchmarking remains an important strategic tool of business in turbulent times. Five research dimensions for benchmarking are discussed in terms of the following: strategy-based benchmarking; operational effectiveness-based benchmarking; technical efficiency-based benchmarking; and micro-macro integrative benchmarking. For sustainable competitive advantage, benchmarking goes beyond the operational level and moves into a wide range of value chain, strategic, operational, and project levels.
Research limitations/implications – The study contributes to the benchmarking literature by identifying key areas of benchmarking. It reflects a qualitative orientation, but future research may achieve a more systematic and quantitative

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