måltall

Måltall is a term used in Swedish and Norwegian contexts to denote target figures, benchmarks or performance indicators that are set to measure progress toward defined objectives. The concept is applied across public, private, and research settings to translate strategic goals into quantifiable targets.

In the public sector, måltall are often included in policy documents, budgets and annual plans to specify the level of output or outcome authorities aim to achieve within a period. In business and organizations, they function as part of planning and performance management, turning strategic goals into concrete numbers such as revenue targets, cost reductions, productivity improvements or customer satisfaction goals. In statistical planning and evaluation, måltall can refer to reference values or thresholds used to interpret data, such as minimum acceptable levels or target rates.

Setting måltall typically involves data analysis, benchmarking against peers or historical performance, and consideration of policy priorities or strategic aims. They may be defined as absolute values, ranges, or time-bound objectives, and are often accompanied by milestones and reporting requirements. Regular monitoring compares actual results with the set måltall, informing reviews, adjustments, and sometimes policy or operational changes.

Critiques of måltall include the potential for misaligned incentives, gaming of targets, or an overemphasis on quantities at the expense of quality. Effective use requires clear definitions, appropriate baselines, and alignment with broader goals to ensure that targets guide improvements in a meaningful and sustainable way.

See also: KPI, key performance indicator; target value; benchmarking; performance management.