prestationsmål

Prestationsmål, commonly translated as performance targets, are measurable objectives set for the delivery of services or outputs by an organization over a defined period. The concept is used in both public and private sectors to specify what should be accomplished, by when, and at what level of quality or efficiency. They can apply to public agencies, municipalities, contractors, or internal units and are often linked to planning, budgeting, procurement, and performance reporting.

Targets can address different aspects of performance, including output (volume of services delivered), quality (accuracy, safety, customer satisfaction), timeliness (delivery within deadlines), and cost efficiency (cost per unit of output). The intention is to create clear expectations, enable monitoring, and inform decision making about resource allocation, incentives, and improvement efforts. Prestationsmål should be aligned with broader strategic goals and with the contractual or governance framework in which the organization operates.

Designing effective prestationsmål typically involves baselines, target levels, and a specified time horizon, along with a plan for data collection and reporting. The SMART criteria—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—are commonly used to guide formulation. Challenges include selecting meaningful indicators, ensuring data quality, avoiding gaming, and adapting targets to changing circumstances while maintaining fairness and equity.

Example: a city department might set a prestationsmål to repair 90% of reported potholes within five days during the next quarter, with progress tracked in a public dashboard. Prestationsmål are a core element of performance management, contract management, and outcome-oriented budgeting.