Evaluation of social impact measurement tools and techniques: a systematic review of the literature
Kah, Sally and Akenroye, Temi (2020) Evaluation of social impact measurement tools and techniques: a systematic review of the literature. Social Enterprise Journal, 16 (4). pp. 381-402. ISSN 1750-8614
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Abstract
Purpose: Despite the availability of metrics for measuring social impact, it can be difficult for organisations to select tools that fit their precise needs. To address this challenge, this study conducts a systematic literature review using legitimacy theory as a point of departure. It examines tools that capture three dimensions of sustainability – social, economic and environmental – and firm size.
Design: We searched the top four journal databases in the social sciences from the FT50 review to identify articles published in peer-reviewed journals in the 2009–2019 period, using keywords to conceptualise the construct. For comprehensive assessment, we adopted a method that requires the logic synthesis of concepts and evidence emerging from the literature to address the research aim.
Findings: The results show that most of the articles developed tools or frameworks to measure social impact based on the triple bottom line of sustainability – social, economic and environmental – and firm size. However, there is insufficient evidence of their integration into practice.
Research implications: This work contributes to the legitimisation of social enterprises using validated tools and frameworks to develop practical suggestions for social impact measurement.
Originality: Since legitimacy is an important rationale for social impact measurement, this study adds value through the development of a suitability framework. The framework enables social enterprises to identify the most appropriate tool for their purpose and size to establish legitimacy through impact measurement and reporting.
| Item Type: | Article | ||||||
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| Identification Number: | https://doi.org/10.1108/SEJ-05-2020-0027 | ||||||
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| Uncontrolled Keywords: | social value, social impact, social enterprise, social impact measurement | ||||||
| Subjects: | CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-02 - business studies | ||||||
| Divisions: | Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > Birmingham City Business School | ||||||
| Depositing User: | Sally Kah | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 02 Dec 2020 09:52 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 22 Mar 2023 11:49 | ||||||
| URI: | https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/10232 |
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