Table 1 Classification scheme for benchmarking by Fong et al. [16]
From: Benchmarking specialty hospitals, a scoping review on theory and practice
Classification | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
Nature of benchmarking partner | Internal | Comparing within one organization about the performance of similar business units or processes |
Competitor | Comparing with direct competitors, catch up or even surpass their overall performance | |
Industry | Comparing with company in the same industry, including noncompetitors | |
Generic | Comparing with an organization which extends beyond industry boundaries | |
Global | Comparing with an organization where its geographical location extends beyond country | |
Content of benchmarking | Process | Pertaining to discrete work processes and operating systems |
Functional | Application of the process benchmarking that compares particular business functions at two or more organizations | |
Performance | Concerning outcome characteristics, quantifiable in terms of price, speed, reliability, etc. | |
Strategic | Involving assessment of strategic rather than operational matters | |
Purpose for the relationship | Competitive | Comparison for gaining superiority over others |
Collaborative | Comparison for developing a learning atmosphere and sharing of knowledge |