A structural indicator reflects the enactment of a statutory or procedural instrument and the existence of basic institutional mechanisms deemed necessary for facilitating realization of a performance or maturity level in a system of interest (an organization, a country, an industrial sector, …)


Use in the context of International Human Rights Instruments

Structural indicators reflect the ratification and adoption of legal instruments and existence of basic institutional mechanisms deemed necessary for facilitating realization of a human right.

Source: Report on indicators for promoting and monitoring the implementation of human rights (United Nations, HRI/MC/2008/3, 6 June 2008).


Maturity level

Another example of a structural indicator is the maturity level of an organization, for instance as it is determined in the context of Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI.)