It's better than you might expect...
Heat oven to 350F. Heat oil in large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and brown well on both sides. Season with salt and pepper, then remove to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium, then add onion to pan, stirring often, until yellow and translucent. Stir in broth, barley, and soy sauce, scraping up any bits stuck to bottom of pan. Season as desired with salt and pepper. Pour barley mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan.. Arrange pork chops on top. Cover tightly with foil. Bake until pork chops and barley are tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, about 50-60 minutes.