Organizational Benchmarking and Perceived Efficacy: The Case of Homeland Security Preparedness

• In Event: Police Efficiency: Domestic and International Applications

Abstract

Within the homeland security literature, researchers have often examined the level of preparedness within law enforcement agencies, activities designed to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a broad range of critical events. Assessments of preparedness outcomes have been less common given that activities are designed to prevent extremely rare events (exceptions are evaluations of specific anti-terrorism practices). Organizational efficacy, the perception about an organization’s ability to accomplish its goals, provides a viable proxy to examine the likely success of these efforts. This study examines the influence of organizational benchmarking efforts on perceived organizational efficacy. Benchmarking is a mechanism for learning how to improve organizational efficacy/performance through comparison processes with other organizations. Using data from a 2007 survey of Illinois law enforcement agencies, the influence of benchmarking—measured as being plugged into the broader institutional environment—on efficacy is examined. The broader implications for enhancing agency practices are discussed.

Authors

• Matthew J. Giblin, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• George W. Burruss, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

• Joseph A. Schafer, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale