Process improvement is primarily driven by which factor according to best practices?

The selection of measurement and analysis of performance as the driving factor for process improvement reflects a fundamental principle in best practices. This approach emphasizes the importance of data-driven decision-making. By measuring performance, organizations can identify areas that require improvement, monitor progress over time, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented changes.

Incorporating metrics and analysis fosters a culture of continuous improvement by enabling organizations to establish clear goals, set performance baselines, and determine the impact of changes made to processes. This objective assessment allows teams to refine their operations systematically, ensuring that improvements are not based on anecdotal evidence but rather on factual insights that drive meaningful enhancements.

The other options, while relevant to the broader context of organizational success, do not encapsulate the primary driver behind process improvement as effectively as measurement and analysis of performance do. Market competition may motivate organizations to enhance their processes, but without rigorous measurement, improvements may lack focus. Employee performance levels are crucial, yet they are a result of the processes in place rather than a direct driver for improvement. Internal benchmarks provide useful standards, but again, they rely on the foundational work of measuring and analyzing performance to ensure relevance and effectiveness.