OKRs, KPIs & performance goals · Core
Key performance indicator
Also called: KPI
ELI5
A metric selected as especially important to tracking an objective.
Used in conversation
“How are we defining key performance indicator in this deck?”
Pitch context
You will see “Key performance indicator” 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 definition can change who is affected, accountable, protected or entitled to act.
Caution
Employment law and workplace practice vary by jurisdiction and agreement.
Connected terms
- MetricA metric is any defined measurement; a KPI is a metric selected as especially important to a goal or decision.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- 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
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — BLS GlossarySupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16