key performance indicators

USAGE SUMMARY

"key performance indicators" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It refers to specific metrics or measurements used to evaluate and assess the success or effectiveness of a person, team, or organization. Example: "The company's quarterly report includes key performance indicators such as revenue growth, customer satisfaction ratings, and employee retention rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Formal & Business

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are key performance indicators improving?

Harvard Business Review

They are key performance indicators for the entire organisation.

The Guardian

Key performance indicators expose the impact of the pressure.

The Guardian - Opinion

These authorships are key performance indicators in the life sciences.

Harvard Business Review

Adopt new key performance indicators to drive adoption.

Harvard Business Review

If applicable, key performance indicators (KPIs) are included.

Harvard Business Review

Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for the organization.

Columbia University

What are the key performance indicators you would measure?

The New York Times

Talk of key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets lacks a human perspective, he said.

The Guardian

They are used to defending themselves with numbers, lawyers and key performance indicators.

The Guardian - Business

Some of us are starting to call these Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the planet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When defining "key performance indicators", ensure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). This will provide clarity and direction for performance monitoring.

Common error

Don't rely solely on quantitative "key performance indicators". Incorporate qualitative feedback and insights to provide a more comprehensive understanding of performance and identify areas for improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "key performance indicators" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. According to Ludwig, it's used to represent measurable values that demonstrate the effectiveness of an organization or individual in achieving key business objectives. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in varied contexts, from business strategy to healthcare management.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "key performance indicators" is a very common noun phrase that refers to measurable metrics used to evaluate performance against strategic goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used in business, academic, and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the indicators are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and complement quantitative data with qualitative insights. Alternatives include "performance metrics" and "critical success factors", though these may subtly shift the emphasis. Common contexts include business strategy, performance management, and organizational reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

performance metrics

Focuses more broadly on measurement aspects, omitting the 'key' aspect of prioritization.

critical success factors

Emphasizes elements crucial for success, potentially overlapping with but not strictly numerical indicators.

performance benchmarks

Highlights standard or reference points against which performance is measured, differing from raw indicators.

success metrics

Focuses on measuring success more generally, possibly encompassing non-performance aspects.

performance targets

Highlights goals to be achieved, rather than the indicators themselves.

performance standards

Refers to established levels of performance, shifting the emphasis from measurement to expectations.

vital signs

A more figurative expression which likens performance indicators to essential health metrics.

scorecard metrics

Implies use within a balanced scorecard framework which is more structured than general KPI usage.

business metrics

Indicates measures used within the business but might not always relate directly to performance.

performance gauges

Uses a figurative term to indicate measurement tools for performance.

FAQs

How are "key performance indicators" used in business?

"Key performance indicators" (KPIs) are used to track progress toward strategic goals. They help organizations measure efficiency, effectiveness, and overall performance, enabling data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement. Examples include revenue growth, customer satisfaction, and market share.

What makes a "key performance indicator" effective?

An effective "key performance indicator" should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). It should align with strategic goals, provide actionable insights, and be easily understandable by stakeholders. Regular monitoring and review are also crucial for maintaining its effectiveness.

What is the difference between a metric and a "key performance indicator"?

A metric is a general measurement, while a "key performance indicator" is a critical metric that directly reflects the performance of a specific objective or strategic goal. Not all metrics are KPIs, but all KPIs are metrics. KPIs are selected for their importance in driving organizational success.

What are some alternatives to "key performance indicators"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "performance metrics", "critical success factors", or "performance benchmarks" to describe methods of measuring and evaluating success.