OKRs, KPIs & performance goals · Working
Management by objectives
Also called: MBO
ELI5
A system in which managers and employees agree objectives and review results.
Used in conversation
“Compare management by objectives with the same cohort and period before drawing a conclusion.”
Pitch context
You will see “Management by objectives” 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
- Management buyoutThe search label “MBO” can route to both entries.
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