An empirical investigation of manufacturing performance measures utilization : The perspectives of executives and financial analysts

Purpose – The objective of this study is to shed some light on the information flow between executives and financial analysts in the context of manufacturing performance measurement and evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – The predictive value, information availability and frequency of performance measures used by the sampled manufacturing organizations and financial analysts are compared using multiple regression analysis. Findings – The findings of this study clearly underscore the increasing significance of non‐financial and non‐traditional performance measures. The importance of customer‐based and quality‐related measures is noted. Research limitations/implications – The sample used in this study is specific in nature. It consisted of Portuguese manufacturing organizations and Portuguese financial analysts. Thus, the results should be interpreted accordingly. Practical implications – The findings of this study have clear implications for organizational information systems. Re‐engineering of organizational information systems is called for toward closing the information gaps which exist in the context of organizational performance measurement. Originality/value – This study has both practical and theoretical value, as it empirically explores the practical implications of some important issues related to organizational performance.