Performance indicators

Abstract

Performance indicators (PIs) serve to support decision-making on the allocation of resources by providing a direct measure of the ability to reach a goal. They can be used for internal quality improvement, for external accountability or for descriptive purposes. This chapter discusses the three types of indicators and illustrates their use with examples from the cultural sector. Owing to the nature of cultural goods and services, the creation and use of PIs pose a number of challenges for cultural organisations.