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Social Impact Assessment: A Systematic Review of Literature

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  • William Alomoto

    (Universitat Rovira i Virgili)

  • Angels Niñerola

    (Universitat Rovira i Virgili)

  • Laia Pié

    (Universitat Rovira i Virgili)

Abstract

Measuring, analyzing, and evaluating social, environmental, and economic impact is crucial to aligning the sustainable development strategies of international organizations, governments, and businesses. In this sense, society has been a determining factor exerting pressure for urgent solutions. The main objective of this paper is to provide an exhaustive analysis of the literature about the tools for measuring social impact and their evolution over the last 50 years. The search was conducted in the main academic databases (Scopus and Web of Science), where 924 articles were found from 1969 to 2020 related to the topic. The results of the quantitative analysis show that 71% of the publications were in the last ten years and the most productive countries were the USA and the United Kingdom. The relational analysis identifies 4 large clusters that fragment the literature into different subfields. The most used keywords are linked to the term "Social" in measurement methods, new concepts, and participants. This article contributes to the literature by giving the researcher an insight into the current state of art, trends, categories within the field, and future lines of research.

Suggested Citation

  • William Alomoto & Angels Niñerola & Laia Pié, 2022. "Social Impact Assessment: A Systematic Review of Literature," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 161(1), pages 225-250, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:soinre:v:161:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s11205-021-02809-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s11205-021-02809-1
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    2. Driss El Kadiri Boutchich, 2023. "Model for Promoting Corporate Social Performance Measurement and Social Change: Elaboration from Causal Analysis Between the Both," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 169(1), pages 209-234, September.
    3. Nissing, Pascal, 2023. "The potential of impact narratives for social entrepreneurship," KCE Schriftenreihe, FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management, KCE KompetenzCentrum für Entrepreneurship & Mittelstand, volume 8, number 282191 edited by FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management, KCE KompetenzCentrum für Entrepreneurship & Mittelstand, July.

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