Canadian high technology firms' key performance management processes: regional case studies

Abstract

This exploratory research compares how high technology firms use performance management strategies. Eight high technology case studies were constructed from interviews with managers in small and medium high technology firms located in the Okanagan Valley region of British Columbia, Canada. This paper presents cross-case analyses of performance management processes and the link to strategic management in high technology SMEs. The results indicate that performance management and human resource management interaction encourages companywide standards and strengthens a firm’s investment in human capital. Although these high technology firms are familiar with strategic management processes and record a higher than average number of strategic plans relative to the total SME population in the Okanagan Valley, potential contributions of performance management to the strategic business management are weak.