Multi-Dimensional Performance Measurement Practices in Developing Countries: a Literature Review and Future Research Direction

This study reviews work on multi-dimensional performance measurement (MPM) and MPM tools such as the balanced scorecard (BSC) in developing countries. 103 papers published by accounting, performance measurement and management journals between 1987 and 2013 are analysed according to their topics, settings, theories and research methods. The principal findings are that firms in developing countries: use MPM but rates vary between countries; BSC was a popular MPM tool; MPM usage was related to varied internal and external factors; the manufacturing sector was the main focus of MPM research; and most studies fail to explicitly articulate their theoretical perspective, identify research gaps or reveal their research motivation. Following this review on MPM usage, MPM in developing countries is presented, and important future research directions identified and presented in the form of research questions.