Applying structuration theory to the benchmarking analysis : Case of China's telecommunications market

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how to use structuration theory as a benchmarking tool to analyze the formulation of a national strategy. Design/methodology/approach – The paper presents a longitudinal case study of the telecommunications industry of China. Findings – The case study demonstrates structuration theory is a useful tool for the benchmarking analysis. It is found that China's telecommunications industry has transformed by stages and undergone several benchmarks. The specific social and technological elements of China have determined the formulation of its national telecommunications transformation strategy. Research limitations/implications – The paper extends benchmarking research to strategy formulation. It proposes structuration theory can be used in this aspect of benchmarking analysis. Practical implications – Implications for how to use structuration theory in the benchmarking analysis, especially that of national strategy formulation are given. Originality/value – For the first time in the literature, this paper applies structuration theory to benchmarking analysis.