A prActicAl guide Benchmarking in european Higher education

A STEP BY STEP APPROACH
The APQC Benchmarking Code of Conduct
The APQC International Benchmarking Clearinghouse service has
adopted a Benchmarking Code of Conduct for efficient and ethical benchmarking.
The Code of Conduct can be found on the website www.apqc.org.
The code is constructed around eight principles, i.e.
1. Principle of Legality of the benchmarking exercise and data collection
2. Principle of Exchange
• Be willing to provide the same type and level of information that is
requested from the benchmarking partner
• Be honest and complete
3. Principle of Confidentiality
4. Principle of Use
• Use information obtained through benchmarking only for purposes
stated to the benchmarking partner
5. Principle of Contact
• Respect the corporate culture of partner organisations and work
within mutually agreed procedures
• Obtain an individual’s permission before providing his or her name in
response to a contact request
6. Principle of Preparation
• Be prepared prior to making an initial benchmarking contact
• Provide a questionnaire prior to benchmarking visits
7. Principle of Completion
• Complete each benchmarking study to the satisfaction of all
benchmarking partners as mutually agreed
8. Principle of Understanding and Action
• Understand how the benchmarking partner would like to be treated
70 A Practical Guide - Benchmarking in European Higher Education