Reflecting the alignment of key administrative performance indicators with the UN's sustainable development goals in the public sector in the specialized literature

Abstract

Objectives: This paper examines how key performance indicators (KPIs) in public administration can be aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses a clear gap in research and practice by investigating the lack of integration between well-established models of performance measurement in the public sector and sustainability goals. Through a mixed-methods study, structured literature review, and bibliometric analysis, the study examines the current alignment between administrative KPIs and SDGs and identifies strategies for integrating sustainability goals into public sector performance management. It provides guidance to government agencies on aligning performance measurement with sustainable development goals.

Implications: The findings have important implications for both researchers and practitioners. For academia, the interdisciplinary mapping of the literature in this study provides a comprehensive basis for future research on the integration of performance management and sustainability, highlighting key thematic areas and gaps in knowledge. From a methodological perspective, the study demonstrates the value of combining bibliometric analysis with qualitative information to explore complex public management issues. For public sector managers and policymakers, the results underscore the need to integrate sustainability into core performance management practices.

Value of originality: The originality of this study lies in its integrated approach to a fragmented topic. It is one of the first studies to comprehensively examine the intersection of public sector performance management and the SDG agenda, addressing a clear gap in the research. By synthesizing dispersed literature streams and combining bibliometric mapping with qualitative analysis, the paper offers both new theoretical insights and practical guidance. This dual contribution is particularly valuable to the public management and sustainable development communities, as it provides evidence-based strategies for aligning key administrative performance indicators with global sustainability goals.