PurposeThis study aims to develop a framework for applying performance management principles to implementing a pluralistic model of scholarly impact in business schools to increase the value and relevance scholarly research to multiple stakeholder groups.Design/methodology/approachPerformance management principles were studied with case study data of scholarly impact that included bibliographic measures and altmetrics. An analytical model was built for a focal business school that provided benchmarks for managing scholarly impact by using data from three peer schools.FindingsBibliographic, scholarly output measures and altmetrics were consistent across the focal school and peer schools, thereby providing a solid foundation for establishing performance benchmarks for annual performance reviews, promotion and tenure decisions and organizational impact goals.Practical implicationsThis paper provides guidance for designing, building and implementing performance management systems to foster scholarly impact.Originality/valueThis paper integrates pluralistic impact models and performance management systems to build faculty expertise and align it with multiple impact domains.