For decades, global development groups and governments struggled to understand their impact on poverty alleviation. At the same time, businesses seeking to measure their effectiveness — beyond bottom-line calculations — labored over what to measure and how to go about doing it. To help its partners answer these critical questions, WDI has long employed the latest data collection meth- odologies, technologies and tactics. In 2015, the Institute drew on those experienc- es to formally launch its Performance Measurement Initiative. The ambitious goal behind this initiative is to understand the economic, social and environmental performance and outcomes of organizations working in low- and middle- income economies. To do that, the Performance Measurement team doesn’t just measure financial indicators such as employee income. They unearth more holistic outcomes that include changes in physical and/or psychological health, education, self- esteem, aspirations, female empowerment, social networks and the environment. These multidimensional assessments yield insights that can be used to help employers meet their short- and long-term goals. In just a few short years, the team has conducted assessments for organizations such as the Clinton Foundation, Danone Ecosystem Fund, Bernard van Leer Foundation, Inter-American Development Bank, Rockefeller Foundation, World Vision and USAID’s Global Development Lab. These projects have spanned Africa, Asia and Latin America, and multiple sectors including agribusiness, healthcare, information technology, renewable energy, housing, sanitation and ethical sourcing. WDI researchers are also working with several partners to uncover new and practical ways to assess hard-to-measure results within complex systems. This research aims to speed up learning and enhance evidence- based decision making. The Performance Measurement Initiative helps organizations integrate measurement into their day-to-day operations. This empowers them to continue to use data to improve processes and adapt to changing times. Performance Measurement 34 William Davidson Institute