Balancing Performance Measurement by Using the Tradition of Islam, Tao, and Java

Abstract

Traditional financial measurement (e.g. return on investment) is usually utilized to measure management performance. However, it does not adequately represent the real performance of management. An alternative is offered, i.e. “Balanced Scorecard” (BS). It is not only treated as a performance measurement, but also as strategic management systems. BS is more extensive and equitable than the traditional one. This paper evaluates and examines the gender of traditional financial measurement (ROI) and BS through a cultural analysis, i.e. Islam, Tao and Javanese tradition. Having evaluating the gender of the measurements, the paper continually evaluates their weaknesses and attempts to reformulate them in a proper manner. An instrument of analysis is formulated based on Islam, Tao and Javanese tradition. In essence, the instrument utilizes “synergy of binary opposition” which deconstructs “the Center” through internalizing “the others.” The results of the analysis indicate that the performance measurements are strongly masculine-laden. The masculine values are the ones that tend to be expansive and destructive for social orders of human life and natural environment. To eliminate the negative effects of the masculine values, the paper suggests modification of the performance measurements by harmonizing and balancing masculine values with feminine ones.