Understanding balanced scorecard

Published

September 13, 2022

Introduction

  • Traditional performance measurement metrics over emphasize financial KPIs to the detriment of other key considerations, which are important from strategic and sustainability perspective.
  • In addition to the financial aspects, balanced scorecard considers three key important considerations i.e. internal business processes, learning and growth and customer.

Key tenants of balanced scorecard

  • Key perspectives of balanced scorecard and how KPIs are defined in each are stated below.
  • Financial: To succeed financially, how should we appear to our investment stakeholders (equity or debt)
    • Objectives
    • Measures
    • Targets
    • Initiatives
  • Internal business process: To satisfy business objectives what internal business processes must the entity excel at
    • Objectives
    • Measures
    • Targets
    • Initiatives
  • Learning and growth: Aligned with entity’s vision and plans, what learning and growth interventions should be pursued, which will ensure sustainability and gradual improvement.
    • Objectives
    • Measures
    • Targets
    • Initiatives
  • Customers: How should a company be perceived by it’s customers
    • Objectives
    • Measures
    • Targets
    • Initiatives

Typical workflow in setting balanced scorecard

An over simplified workflow to understand the process of setting balanced scorecard is stated below

Flowchart