Validity Analysis of Performance Indicators for Postal Service

The intent of this research is to expand knowledge of the performance indicators currently utilized by the postal service as well as propose a comprehensive system of performance indicators for postal regulators. This paper scrutinizes the validity of performance indicators for the postal service organizations of the United States, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Belgium. A full review on annual reports published by the postal regulators in the above five countries was undergone. The analysis of validity centered on two key criteria: the validity and the reliabilities of indicators.Key findings include the adoption and systematic problems of performance indicators in the sampled countries. While wide adoption of performance indicators was found, the internal validity and reliability had limitations. The largest hurdle for the current system is the small correlation between indictor groups, reflecting the absence of the postal regulators’ perspective. The clearlydefined responsibility of postal regulators, the purpose-oriented and scientific-measure based design of the indicators, and the full participation of the public during measurement are necessary activities to enhance the validity and reliability of the performance indicator system.The possibility of setting up an integrated indicator system for the postal service is discussed after the research findings have been presented. The proposed integrated indicator system provides a comprehensive portrait of this industry. The difficulties and challenges of establishing such a system are acknowledged, but supplementary works will ensure its feasibility