OKRs, KPIs & performance goals · Core
Benchmark
Also called: model benchmark, comparative standard
ELI5
A reference point used to compare performance.
Used in conversation
“How are we defining benchmark in this deck?”
Pitch context
You will see “Benchmark” in organisation plans, workforce reviews, change programmes and people reports when the discussion reaches okrs, kpis & performance goals.
Why it matters: In okrs, kpis & performance goals, the scope can change what data may be used, who may access it and which controls are required.
Caution
Employment law and workplace practice vary by jurisdiction and agreement.
Connected terms
- BaselineA baseline is the starting reference for the same initiative or measure; a benchmark is an external or comparative reference.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- Scrum Guides — The Scrum Guide — official current versionSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16