A Key Performance Indicator (KPI) is a measurable value that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving key business objectives. Organizations use KPIs to evaluate their success at reaching targets.
The acronym OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results, a popular goal management framework that helps companies implement and execute strategy. The benefits of the framework include a better focus on results that matter, increased transparency, and better (strategic) alignment.
OKR achieves this by organizing employees and the work they do around achieving common Objectives.
OKR is a strategic framework, whereas KPIs are measurements that exist within a framework. OKR is a simplistic, black-and-white approach that uses specific metrics to track the achievement of a goal.
The business impact of using OKRs
Current research shows that when comparing groups of employees who used OKR against those that don’t, those that used it proved much more effective at their jobs, resulting in better performance and increased sales.
In fact, the group that didn’t use OKR actively asked to be involved in the process in future cycles. A full rundown of the ROI of Goal Management can be found here (perdoo.com/resources/roi-…).
Cultural benefits of using OKRs
The biggest impact of using OKR in most organizations without goal management already in place is a cultural shift from output to outcomes. OKR creates focus, accountability, transparency, and alignment within an organization.
The result of all this is an increase in performance and employee engagement.