Xerox Corp., one of the earliest US proponents of benchmarking, has institutionalized the practice in its organization. This had lead to fundamental changes in how Xerox manages suppliers and develops products.

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Reports on a survey, conducted among a cross-section of organizations, to establish the current state of benchmarking and to attempt to project its future developments. Reveals that determining the mechanisms for the transfer of best practices within an organization is a high-priority issue. Formal programmes for benchmarking in general, and for benchmarking training specifically, were also highly important areas to be developed further. Indicates that the use of computers in benchmarking seems to be growing, although direct contact with other companies and firsthand observation of best practices are still the preferred methods.

The current debate on ''free agency'' seems to highlight the romantic aspects of free agent and considers it a genuine response to changing economic conditions (e.g., high-unemployment rate, importance of knowledge in the labor market, the eclipse of organizational loyalty, and self pride). Little attention, if any, has been given to the religious root of the free agency concept and its persistent existence across history. In this paper, the current discourse on free agency and the conditions that have led to its emergence are briefly discussed. The paper focuses on the theological perspectives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam on the concept. Implications for management and business organizations are provided.

Addresses issues related to teaching management in the Arab world. Discusses issues of growth, poor quality and lack of vision. Contrasts American and Arab cultural profiles and their management implications. Specifies the illusions that seem to prevail in some quarters in the Arab world regarding management and its culture.

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation.Pennar (1999) asserts that in the 21st century nothing will likely weaken the tidal pull that religion holds for most humans. Similarly, Simpson (1991) argues that religion is a major ingredient that must be taken into account in order to understand the evolution of the contemporary global situation. He indicates that the oneness of the world is embedded in the story frameworks of religions. Simultaneously, these religions reflect the thematic disunity of the world. In the era of globalisation information technology eases and economises communications, thereby making information available to a wide range of the population in almost every corner of the world. In a connective and interdependent world, therefore, religious principles may be transmitted and conveyed to adherents consistently and effectively. In addition, published materials related to spirituality in life and the workplace have flourished in recent years. In the United States, for example, publication of religious and spiritual books has increased dramatically. Publishers, in fact, have termed the 1990s "the decade of soul" (Rosin, 2000).Spirituality and soul searching are not new phenomena. Over centuries, many groups within and across cultures had experienced religious awakening. The current search for spirituality is different, however, from past religious revivals. It is intense and personal, and spread across civilization, geography, and ethnicity. The current religious revival, therefore, is becoming a global event and is mostly family centred rather than organised religious movement. This trend highlights the centrality of the individual and the family in the revival and continuity of faith. It also focuses attention on general principles that give direction and meaning to life. One of the most influential and guiding principles is the Ten Commandments (TCs). Christians, Jews, and Muslims each have their respective commandments. These commandments have influence on the outlook and behaviour of

If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation.