BENCHMARKING OR THE SEARCH FOR INDUSTRY BEST-PRACTICE - A SURVEY OF THE WESTERN-AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC-SECTOR

''The continuous process of measuring products, services, and practice s against the toughest competitors or those companies recognised as in dustry leaders. (That is) ... the search for industry best practices t hat will lead to superior performance'' (Camp 1989, p.10). ''Benchmark ing'' or die ''Search for Industry Best Practices'' has been accepted as a useful strategic tool. The move into the public administration ar ena is more recent. The underlying research in both cases is limited. The paper considers the advantage of benchmarking over business intell igence systems. Also, the government's stance on establishing quality programs and the relationships to benchmarking are considered. The pap er is based on research conducted in the public sector in Western Aust ralia to determine the extent to which benchmarking is used. The resul ts indicate that whilst the concept is being embraced, the full range of benefits that could accrue is as yet not being realised. Indicators as to why this is so are outlined.