Performance measurement in collaborative networks: a proposal of performance indicators for the manufacturing industry

Collaborative networks are believed to bring benefits to its participants once they share risks, knowledge and profits. However, in order to obtain successful outcomes, a network must be properly designed and managed, which comprises controlling network performance. Thus, this paper puts forward a series of measurement themes and performance metrics to measure collaboration among manufacturing organisations in a network characterised by subcontracts. So as to achieve this objective, literature on collaborative networked organisations (CNOs) and performance metrics for collaboration is reviewed. Afterwards, a field study is carried out in a Brazilian network of firms that produce capital goods. A description is given on how this network is formed, managed and how its elements relate with each other. Then, a set of performance measures is suggested for each measurement theme. Finally, considerations are made on the research findings and limitations.