109
Views
8
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Articles

Beyond data benchmarking: the challenge of managing a benchmarking network in the UK public leisure sector

Pages 95-108 | Published online: 02 Dec 2010
 

Abstract

The UK public leisure and recreation sector has been inhibited from inter-organizational collaboration due to the competitive pressures created by the policy of Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CCT). However, due to a change in policy direction, collaboration is now promoted as a positive behaviour for service quality and added value. In local authority leisure services provision, benchmarking is now encouraged as part of the new Best Value Regime (BVR). This paper discusses the challenge involved in ensuring the benchmarking relationship or 'network' moves beyond data benchmarking to engage in the more productive 'process' benchmarking activities. The management of this transition is discussed via a case study of a benchmarking group of nine Scottish local authority leisure service providers formed as a consequence of the BVR. A comparison of the experiences of the group with the wider research on the management of benchmarking suggests that to move beyond data benchmarking requires both an inclusionary approach to benchmarking at the intra-organizational level, and reciprocity in managing the administrative burden of the process of benchmarking at the inter-organizational level.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.