ABSTRACT
General definitions of benchmarking vary depending on the definer’s perspective. According to Jackson and Lund (2000) benchmarking involves comparing organizational or industry practices, performance, and processes to improve the principal organization or business. Similarly, Bender and Schuh (2002) define benchmarking as a process of comparison for purposes of assessment and innovation. In their terms, assessment involves comparison of one’s own organizational activities with those of similar other organizations to provide a context in which to measure outcomes and activities while innovation involves comparisons with peers to obtain new ideas to facilitate major change. Running through each of these conceptions of benchmarking is the theme of comparison with characteristics of similar peer organizations for purposes of institutional improvement.
