Abstract not found

The purpose of this paper is to refine the generic form of hierarchical governance as it figures in Transaction Cost Economics to construct a framework that may help to study control issues that require a higher level of resolution. Hierarchical control comes in a large variety, but it is possible to discern a limited number of typical control patterns: (1) arm’s length control, featuring outcome control based on market-derived standards; (2) machine control, which is administrative control based on codification of behaviour or predefined performance targets; (3) exploratory control, which works from converging insights that accrue and spread during the process; and (4) boundary control, i.e. proscriptive control that emphasizes actions to be avoided. These archetypes differ in the control mechanisms on which they rely and, consequently, in their problem-solving ability. The problematic nature of transactions is associated with uncertainty and asset specificity, but also with the intensity of ex post information impactedness (i.e. the differential ability to assess the true quality of actually delivered performance). The match between transactions-with their distinctive problem profile- and control structures –with their unique problem-solving ability- is explained by delineating the relative efficiency properties of the match.

A critical research agenda for organisational performance measurement

Acknowledgement: Thanks are due to Richard Laughlin and fellow members of the Management Managers are continually under pressure to measure the performance of their organisation, but there is little empirical evidence about the impact of measurement on performance. Furthermore, many measurement tools and techniques lack clear theoretical foundations. This paper proposes investigations into neglected aspects of organisational performance measurement, reflecting the concern of managers and illustrating the potential impact of theoretical developments on practice. Issues about theory, epistemology and methodologies that accompany such a research agenda, are also raised. 1. Preamble This paper may be a bit unusual for a formal conference discussion as it concentrates neither on presenting empirical results, nor on developing theoretical explanations, but simply seeks to make the case for more of both of these. As such, it is ‘work in the early stages of progress ’ on which feedback on all aspects of the paper will be welcome. And as befits a primarily qualitative and subjectivist-inclined researcher, I felt it important to put the

The concept of entrepreneurship has attracted increased interest in recent years- within the field of business as well as in society as a whole. However, our knowledge of how management accounting- including the branch of performance measurement- is used in the entrepreneurial context is practically non-existent. The aim of this study is to enhance our understanding of how systems of performance measurement are designed and used in entrepreneurial organisations. A survey was conducted on the design and use of performance measurement systems in twelve Swedish manufacturing firms, all of which had experienced high organic growth. The findings show that performance measurement systems play a significant role in entrepreneurial organisations. This is reflected in the use of a large number of measures, a frequent reporting of the measures, and a relatively high variety of business aspects measured. In contrast with the normative literature, the different uses of performance measurement are mainly confined to operative and internal areas of business. The performance measurement was also studied in relation to five firm characteristics:

Copyright © 2012 by Anette Mikes Working papers are in draft form. This working paper is distributed for purposes of comment and discussion only. It may not be reproduced without permission of the copyright holder. Copies of working