What are the guidelines called that managers use to define the organization's desired performance?

The term that best fits the description of guidelines that managers use to define the organization's desired performance is "objectives." Objectives are specific, measurable goals that an organization aims to achieve within a certain timeframe. They provide direction for both management and employees, allowing everyone in the organization to understand what is expected in terms of performance. By setting clear objectives, organizations can align their efforts and resources toward achieving these particular outcomes.

The other options, while related to performance measurement and management, do not encapsulate the concept of guidelines for desired performance in the same way. For instance, criteria refer to standards or benchmarks that might be used to evaluate or assess performance, while metrics are quantitative measures used to track progress towards those goals. Strategies refer to the overarching plans or approaches used to achieve objectives but do not specify the actual performance targets themselves.