Performance management frameworks in higher education in multicultural contexts: Cultural dimensions models and behavioural preferences towards the design of performance indicators

Presenters: Jean-Yves Le Corre (International Business School Suzhou)

Key words: Performance management frameworks, Higher education, Multicultural contexts 

A large number of institutions in higher education sector have designed performance measures and monitoring systems across the word. However there is a large diversity in those measures and great variability in the way those measures are used to monitor performance.

Among other factors, cultural differences may imply different attitudes towards performance measurement. In practice, a wide array of options exist in developing and using performance measures in organizations. Performance measures can differ greatly on a number of attributes like long-term versus short-term orientation of indicators, future versus external orientation, or linking indicators to individual or team performance.

This research paper investigates the interrelations between behavioral preferences of individual members of agroup and their preferences towards performance measures and performance monitoring systems within the group.Several hypothesis are tested which aim to evidence those relationships. For example, the research will test the hypothesis that individuals with high context communication orientation may favour a higher level of subjectivity in performance indicators, among other hypothesis.

The research adopts a quantitative approach using questionnaires to establish the cultural profile of a sample of +300 employees in the higher education sector in + 15 countries based on a cultural orientation model containing seventeen dimensions. The data collected will be compared to the results of interviews about their preferences in the design and use of performance indicators through correlation analysis.

By demonstrating that cultural orientations can affect the attitudes of participants in performance management, the research could provide benefits to institutions in the higher education sector willing to design and implement performance measures in a multicultural context.