Diffusing 'best practice' in multinational firms: prospects, practice and contestation

G. Martin, P. Beaumont

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    75 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    This article explores the possibilities and problems of transferring best practice within multinational enterprises. Following a discussion of the literature on the transfer of best practice, we draw on a case study of ABB to highlight some of the issues and problems involved. In particular, we focus on the use of benchmarking as a powerful tool for the diffusion of best practice in ABB. We conclude that under certain conditions the case for the transfer of best practice within multinational enterprises is relatively sound and that the use of internal benchmarking can be a highly effective method of producing such organizational change. However, any form of diffusion has to take into account (a) the local cultural and institutional context and (b) the ability and incentive of local managers to implement best practice.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)671-695
    Number of pages25
    JournalInternational Journal of Human Resource Management
    Volume9
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 1998

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Diffusing 'best practice' in multinational firms: prospects, practice and contestation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this