The The Application of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in Public Health Management: A Theoretical and Implementation Framework
Keywords:
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs); Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC ; Public Health ManagementAbstract
Public health management is increasingly complex and requires stronger alignment between strategic goals and tangible health outcomes. In Thailand, however, the use of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) remains limited. In practice, OKRs are often confused with traditional performance indicators, implemented in a top-down manner, and insufficiently linked to actual health outcomes, particularly within the Value-Based Healthcare (VBHC) perspective. This article aims to propose a conceptual framework and practical approach for applying OKRs to improve the effectiveness of public health management. The study is based on documentary research, drawing on both domestic and international literature related to OKRs, performance management, and value-based healthcare.
On this review, the article develops a process-oriented framework that integrates OKRs with VBHC. The framework emphasizes aligning strategic objectives with day-to-day operations and translating them into measurable health outcomes across organizational levels. It also highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and regular review processes to support adaptive management. Overall, this approach offers a practical direction for public health organizations to better connect strategy with outcomes and to move toward more value-focused and sustainable management practices.
References
BCG. (2024). Unleashing the power of OKRs to improve performance. Boston Consulting Group.
www.bcg.com
Doerr, J. (2018). Measure what matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation rock the
world with OKRs. Portfolio/Penguin.
Engagedly. (2024). How to implement OKR framework for healthcare industry. engagedly.com
Foocharoenkalaya, S., & Srijai, A. (2023). Development of a health strategy driving model using
Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) for the Chiang Rai Provincial Public Health Office. Chiang
Rai Medical Journal, 15(2), 1–19.
Jitnathum, T. (2021). Investigating the relationship between the implementation of OKR and
employees' attitude and development [Master’s independent study, Thammasat
University]. Thammasat University Digital Library.
Kanokvijit, N., & Kanokvijit, A. (2021). Factors affecting the success of implementing OKRs in
performance management of organizations in Thailand. Journal of Association of Private
Higher Education Institutions of Thailand (Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts), 10(2),
–140.
Kunpijit, K. (2023). Consulting project on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) performance
measurement system with a public hospital [Master’s independent study, Thammasat
University]. Thammasat University Institutional Repository.
Kuttalam, R. (2025). Empowering healthcare agility: A strategic framework for pandemic-responsive
operational planning. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40521392/
Ministry of Public Health. (2017). Twenty-year national strategic plan for public health (2017–
. Strategy and Planning Division, Office of the Permanent Secretary.
Nilsson, K., Bååthe, F., Erichsen Anderson, A., & Sandoff, M. (2024). Value-based healthcare delivery:
A scoping review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,
(2), 134. doi.org
Niven, P. R., & Lamorte, B. (2016). Objectives and key results: Driving focus, alignment, and
engagement with OKRs. John Wiley & Sons.
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council. (2018). National strategy 2018–
National Strategy Secretariat Office.
O'Neill, T., & McKenna, J. (2024). The impact of OKRs on team dynamics in challenging projects: A
case study approach. ResearchGate. www.researchgate.net
Petkong, M., Boonyoung, N., & Chukumnerd, P. (2021). Experience of head nurses in administration
based on OKRs concepts. Journal of Nursing and Health Care, 39(2), 101–110.
Porter, M. E., & Kaplan, R. S. (2011). How to solve the cost crisis in health care. Harvard Business
Review, 89(9), 46–77.
Porter, M. E., & Teisberg, E. O. (2006). Redefining health care: Creating value-based competition on
results. Harvard Business School Press.
Schiemann, W. A., Seibert, J. H., & Morgan, B. S. (2023). Alignment and focus through OKRs:
Enhancing organizational clarity and employee success. Journal of Strategic Management,
(3), 45–62.
Silveira Bianchim, M., Crane, E., Jones, A., Neukirchinger, B., Roberts, G., McLaughlin, L., & Noyes, J.
(2023). The implementation, use and impact of patient reported outcome measures in
value-based healthcare programmes: A scoping review. PLOS ONE, 18(12), e0290976.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290976
Stray, V., Moe, N. B., & Sjöberg, D. I. K. (2022). How agile teams make objectives and key results
(OKRs) work. Proceedings of the International Conference on Software and System
Processes and International Conference on Global Software Engineering, 51–61. doi.org
Trinkenreich, B., Santos, G., Barcellos, M. P., & Conte, T. (2019). Combining GQM+Strategies and
OKR: Preliminary results from a participative case study in industry. Proceedings of the
XXXIII Brazilian Symposium on Software Engineering, 552-561. doi.org
Zhou, H. (2022). Integrating SMART goals with OKRs for effective performance
management. International Journal of Business Administration and Management, 12(1),
–101.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Disclaimer and Copyright Notice
The content and information presented in articles published in the Journal of Law and Public Health Policy represent the opinions and sole responsibility of the respective authors. The editorial board does not necessarily agree with or assume any responsibility for the views expressed.
All articles, data, content, images, and other materials published in the Journal of Law and Public Health Policy are the intellectual property of the journal. Any individual or organization wishing to reproduce, distribute, or otherwise use the entirety or any part of such materials must provide proper citation.