Definition, Classification, and Characteristics of Indicator Systems: A Systematic Review

Objective: The purpose of this article is to summarize the definitions, classifications, and characteristics of indicator systems and to create a foundation for understanding and developing a common system through a systematic review. Methodology: Through a review study, using two English keywords, "Indicator System" and "System of Indicators", five databases—Springer, Sage, Elsevier, Taylor & Francis, and Emerald—were systematically searched. After applying exclusion criteria, a total of 68 documents, which based on PRISMA indicators demonstrated acceptable quality for this study, were selected and analyzed. Data analysis in this research was conducted using Altheide’s method. Findings: According to the identified components, the indicator system “refers to a set of characteristics that, through quantitative and qualitative indicators, are influenced by three dimensions—temporal, environmental, and content-related—as well as the target audience, thereby enabling the reflection of changes, the simplification of understanding phenomena, and the measurement and provision of meaningful information about them.” Furthermore, the review of existing classifications in the design and development of indicator systems led to the proposal of a new taxonomy, structured into 40 levels and 14 categories, which are consolidated into six overarching themes: the nature of the indicator, the nature of indicator data, the degree of importance and order of operational steps, application and performance (thematic), number of indicators, and level. Conclusion: In addition, the findings of this study identified the characteristics of indicators as essentially descriptive, prescriptive, and deductive. It also provided explanations regarding the selection of good indicators, which will be further elaborated in the following sections.