The difference is in accepted usage, or 20:25 Mar 31, 2017
collocation. It almost always is. Indicators (or performance metrics, as they are known in investment speak in the US) do not improve. Nor can you "improve" them. They can grow/decline, or go up/down. On the other hand, performance improves (or suffers, or declines), and you can definitely improve performance. It's not about the meaning, but rather about which of the words are commonly used alongside which others. To be sure, you can find "indicators improving" out there and such, but that doesn't mean it's the natural, or preferred way of putting it. There is not much logic to it. It just is the way it is. However, if you don't follow that common accepted usage, you simply come across as a foreigner writing in a language other than his or her own.
Then of course, such usage may, and often does, differ from country to country. I am an American talking strictly from the vantage point of my American perch. What do I know about other places.
I am sure you know that all that "capacity building" and "empowerment" stuff isn't good for your soul, right:)? |