Framing Social Impact Measurement, a new report from The Conference Board, steps in to make sense of it all. It analyzes current measurement practices, reviews a panoply of approaches for defining and measuring impact, and considers how innovative big data approaches could open a way forward. It also examines the challenges in producing rigorous social-impact metrics—in particular, how the costs might be divided between non-profit (and often resource-strapped) organizations and their corporate backers who increasingly demand such information.
"Many leaders in the non-profit sector and their funders in the corporate world seek a universal approach for measuring the impact of their interventions—the social equivalent of financial reporting standards," said Alex Parkinson, compiler and editor of the report. "But given the myriad goals pursued by these organizations—from education to healthcare to environmental conservation—a universal 'accounting' convention remains a long way off. Instead, Framing Social Impact Measurement looks at how organizations should approach evaluation to capture the most accurate results that reflect their strategic objectives."
Among the key strategic takeaways of the report:
- Measuring impact will become an important part of demonstrating a company's overall value, as philanthropy integrates further into business strategy.
- Customers want a sophisticated demonstration of impact, not just a list of outputs. Revenues will flow to companies that can provide that.
- Corporate philanthropy needs to be aligned with business interests, not the personal preferences of CEOs.
- With the support of their corporate partners, nonprofits can take advantage of the benefits of data, thereby extending their impact.
- New global markets face different social issues, but it's imperative that companies be involved in these communities to build a customer base and engage employees. Measuring your social impact will help you know you're in touch with the right issues.
- Corporate philanthropy is an important employee engagement tool that helps companies attract and retain talent. Millennials want to know their efforts are making a difference. Companies that can demonstrate this will be more competitive in a tightening labor market.
For complete details:
http://www.conference-board.org/measuring-social-impact/
Report: Framing Social Impact
(Research Report R-1567-14-RR)
Compiled and summarized by Alex Parkinson
About the Conference Board
The Conference Board is a global, independent business membership and research association working in the public interest. Our mission is unique: To provide the world's leading organizations with the practical knowledge they need to improve their performance and better serve society. The Conference Board is a non-advocacy, not-for-profit entity holding 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt status in the United States.
www.conference-board.org
Follow The Conference Board
Twitter |
Facebook |
LinkedIn
To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit: http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-real-value-of-giving-new-report-examines-the-state-of-the-art-in-measuring-organizations-social-impact-300001151.html
SOURCE The Conference Board
| Contact: |
| The Conference Board
Further information: Jonathan Liu (212) 339-0257 / Email Contact Web: http://www.conference-board.org |
