Improving strategic performance is a crucial objective for organisations, and the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are valuable tools that can aid in achieving this goal.
The Balanced Scorecard is a strategic management framework that enables organisations to align their strategic objectives with performance measures. It goes beyond the traditional focus on financial metrics and incorporates four key perspectives: financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth. Each perspective represents a different aspect of organisational performance and provides a balanced view of the organisation's strategic goals.
Key Performance Indicators, on the other hand, are specific metrics used to measure progress towards achieving strategic objectives. KPIs are derived from the goals and objectives identified in the Balanced Scorecard. They provide tangible and measurable targets that help organisations track their performance and make informed decisions. KPIs should be carefully selected to align with strategic priorities, be quantifiable, and provide relevant and timely information.
By using the Balanced Scorecard in conjunction with KPIs, organisations can improve their strategic performance in several ways:
Clarity of Objectives: The Balanced Scorecard helps clarify strategic objectives by breaking them down into specific perspectives and goals. KPIs then provide a quantifiable and measurable way to assess progress towards these objectives.
Alignment: The BSC ensures alignment between strategic objectives and performance measures, ensuring that all areas of the organisation are working towards the same goals. KPIs reinforce this alignment by providing a common set of metrics that can be tracked and monitored.
Focus on Multiple Dimensions: The BSC allows organisations to consider multiple performance dimensions, such as financial, customer, internal processes, and learning and growth.