The social impact evaluation, motivated by various issues, is mobilized at different phases of the project according to the evaluative questioning. Whatever methodology is chosen, significant steps common to any evaluation process and the involvement of stakeholders from the outset of the approach ensure its relevance.
Three steps common to any social impact evaluation process
The social impact assessment process does not focus solely on the question of measurement (proof) but completely integrates the stages of defining what matters (promise) and building a shared point of view ( deliberation) within its process.
This theoretical structure evolves according to the challenges of the stakeholders: the intensity will not be the same from one stage to another, from one approach to another, depending in particular on whether one seeks to federate stakeholders around a shared identity or that we are part of a demonstration of “social performance”.
1. Define what matters
This first step defines the “promise” of the value created. Concretely, it is a question of determining the foundations of the reference system and the evaluation criteria.
Define the framework of the evaluation process
A social impact assessment process is a project in itself. Like any project, it consists of goals and milestones and requires a timeline, a dedicated team, and tools. Defining the approach is an essential step that will help in particular in choosing an appropriate method or building a tailor-made one.
The framing allows several clarifications:
- Identify the purpose of the evaluation: Why evaluate? for whom to evaluate?
- Specify the evaluative question and the scope of the approach: What are we trying to evaluate?
- Consider the means available: What human and financial resources do we have? What are the time constraints?
- Define stakeholder involvement in the evaluation process: Who are the relevant stakeholders? What do they expect from this process? How do we involve them?
Structure the evaluation framework
Before measuring, it is necessary to define the results and impacts that we want to know concerning the social mission of the structure, the targeted beneficiaries, and its activities.
In consultation with the stakeholders, the relevant effects to be assessed must be chosen and prioritized, considering the approach’s scope and the evaluative question.
The evaluation method will be chosen according to the social innovation evaluation framework and the effects to be evaluated: standardized method, tailor-made, mixed, by attribution, etc.
The method is only a means of evaluation and not an end.
Finally, depending on the issues and objectives, we will determine the collection tools and the stakeholders to be interviewed who will make this method possible and relevant.
2. Measure
This stage, recognized as the most complex, consists of developing or mobilizing quantitative and qualitative indicators to establish “proof” of the social impact.
Data collection and analysis will depend on the tools and methods chosen. The actors of the evaluation will have to consider their capacities and resources for the operational feasibility of this stage.
Collect data
Data collection is at the heart of the process. This involves collecting existing or new data according to the chosen method(s): individual or collective interview, questionnaire, documentary research, benchmark, evolution scale, attribution method, etc.
The data can be quantitative or qualitative according to the criteria and indicators defined by the evaluation reference system.
Analyze and cross-reference data
The data collected is analyzed and interpreted according to the criteria defined beforehand and will make it possible to answer the evaluative question determined during the framing of the evaluation.
3. Deliberate
This last step promotes the appropriation of the social impact evaluation results by all the targeted stakeholders to guarantee the approach’s usefulness.
Whether it is to report, understand, or improve its action, the results of an evaluation are only of interest if they are used and shared. They will feed practices, decision-making, and exchanges with stakeholders.
Depending on the stakes and purposes of the evaluation, this stage makes it possible to draw lessons to improve the structure’s action and establish a strategy for disseminating and promoting the results.