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  • March 2023
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

A Primer on OKRs

By: Suraj Srinivasan and Li-Kuan (Jason) Ni
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:15
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Abstract

The OKR framework is a popular goal-setting and strategy execution tool that uses goal setting through “Objectives” and measuring performance using “Key Results” on a periodic basis to measure and drive performance. The OKR framework has been adopted and practiced at companies such as Intel, Google, LinkedIn, Twitter, Netflix among hundreds of others ranging from start-ups to large businesses. Users have found it to be a powerful performance management and goal setting tool as it focuses on near-term measurable goals without losing the aspirational aspect of an organization’s unique mission or purpose. This primer aims to explain fundamental OKR concepts, summarize implementation best practices, discuss OKR mistakes to avoid, and compare OKR with other common management goal setting tools.

Keywords

Business Organization; Talent and Talent Management; Framework; Corporate Governance; Goals and Objectives; Growth and Development; Growth and Development Strategy; Growth Management; Management Analysis, Tools, and Techniques; Management Practices and Processes; Management Skills; Management Systems; Measurement and Metrics; Outcome or Result; Performance Effectiveness; Performance Evaluation; Performance Expectations; Performance Productivity; Performance Efficiency

Citation

Srinivasan, Suraj, and Li-Kuan (Jason) Ni. "A Primer on OKRs." Harvard Business School Background Note 123-081, March 2023.
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About The Author

Suraj Srinivasan

Accounting and Management
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More from the Authors
  • Critical Choices in Designing a Board: An Overview By: Suraj Srinivasan and Lynn S. Paine
  • What Board-level Control Mechanisms Changed in Banks Following the 2008 Financial Crisis? A Descriptive Study By: Shelly Li, Shivram Rajgopal, Suraj Srinivasan and Yu Ting Forester Wong
  • Windsurf and the AI Code Assistant Market By: Suraj Srinivasan, Sudhanshu Nath Mishra and Radhika Kak
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