What type of data is commonly used when evaluating internal sources?

When evaluating internal sources, both quantitative and qualitative data are typically utilized to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Quantitative data consists of numerical values and measurable inputs, such as sales figures, financial metrics, and employee performance stats. This data helps organizations assess performance, track trends, and make data-driven decisions based on calculations and statistical analyses.

On the other hand, qualitative data encompasses non-numerical insights such as employee feedback, customer satisfaction surveys, or narrative descriptions of processes and experiences. This type of data offers context and depth to the quantitative metrics, revealing underlying factors that numbers alone might not illuminate. For instance, while sales data may indicate a decline, qualitative feedback can help identify customer dissatisfaction or changing market preferences that contributed to this trend.

Utilizing both types of data allows businesses to make well-informed decisions by blending the objective rigor of numbers with the subjective insights of human experience and perception. Thus, employing both quantitative and qualitative data is crucial when evaluating internal sources for a rounded view of organizational performance.