Details
Year: 2011
Published in: .Springer Science+Business Media B.V
Cited as: R.L. Burritt et al. (eds.), Environmental Management Accounting and Supply Chain Management, Eco-Efficiency in Industry and Science 27, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-1390-1_8, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011
Subject
Social Impact Measurement: Classification of Methods
Abstract
This paper analyses and categorises thirty contemporary social impact measurement methods. These methods have been developed in response to the changing needs for management information resulting from increased interest of corporations in socially responsible activities. The social impact measurement methods were found to differ on the following dimensions: purpose, time frame, orientation, length of time frame, perspective and approach. The main commonalities and differences between the methods are analysed and the characteristics of the methods are defined. The classification system developed in this chapter allows managers to navigate their way through the landscape of social impact methods. Moreover, the classification clearly illustrates the need for social impact methods that truly measure impact, take an output orientation and concentrate on longerterm effects. This chapter also discusses the lack of consensus in defining social impact. The paper concludes with a brief discussion on theoretical and practical implications.
