Which of the following is an example of a key performance indicator (KPI)?

Customer satisfaction ratings serve as a prime example of a key performance indicator (KPI) because they directly measure how effectively a business is meeting the needs and expectations of its customers. KPIs are quantifiable measures that help organizations assess their performance relative to their objectives. In this context, customer satisfaction ratings reflect important aspects of business performance, such as customer loyalty, retention, and the overall perceived value of the products or services offered.

By tracking these ratings over time, businesses can gain insights into customer perspectives, enabling them to improve their offerings and enhance customer experiences, which is crucial for long-term success. Customer satisfaction is often linked to revenue growth and market share, making it a critical KPI for many organizations.

While the other options provided do contain valuable metrics, they do not encapsulate the idea of a KPI as effectively as customer satisfaction ratings. For instance, the number of employee hours, cost per product unit, and brand awareness metrics serve important roles in measuring different aspects of business performance, but they do not directly address how customers feel about the company's services or products, which is the essence of a KPI focused on customer relationship management.