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Mind the Gap: Expectations and Experiences of Clients Utilizing Job-Training Services in a Social Enterprise

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  • Marlene WALK
  • Itay GREENSPAN
  • Honey CROSSLEY
  • Femida HANDY

Abstract

This paper offers an underexplored perspective of social impact assessment by integrating clients evaluation of the impact of job-training and skills-building programs. Drawing on the literature of met expectations, we investigate the personal and social impact, beyond job placement, of job-training and skills-building programs provided by a Canadian social enterprise from the perspective of the clients. Utilizing data from a pre-test/post-test quasi-experiment, we assess the differences, between program participants as compared to a control group of nonparticipants, on several measures. Findings illuminate the gap between expectations and actual experiences, and point to the importance of integrating the clients perspective. Such measures enable leaders of social enterprises to account for the often neglected intangibles of their social missions.

Suggested Citation

  • Marlene WALK & Itay GREENSPAN & Honey CROSSLEY & Femida HANDY, 2015. "Mind the Gap: Expectations and Experiences of Clients Utilizing Job-Training Services in a Social Enterprise," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 86(2), pages 221-244, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:annpce:v:86:y:2015:i:2:p:221-244
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1111/apce.12080
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Laurie Mook & Jack Quarter, 2006. "Accounting for the social economy: the socioeconomic impact statement," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 77(2), pages 247-269, June.
    2. Roger Spear & Eric Bidet, 2005. "Social enterprise for work integration in 12 european countries: a descriptive analysis," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 76(2), pages 195-231, June.
    3. Rajendra K. Misra & Maurita A. Kilroy, 1992. "Immigrant Mental Health: An Experien tial Approach," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 4(2), pages 149-163, September.
    4. Jane Gibbon & Colin Dey, 2011. "Developments in Social Impact Measurement in the Third Sector: Scaling Up or Dumbing Down?," Social and Environmental Accountability Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 31(1), pages 63-72, April.
    5. Schellenberg, Grant & Houle, Rene, 2010. "New Immigrants' Assessments of Their Life in Canada," Analytical Studies Branch Research Paper Series 2010322e, Statistics Canada, Analytical Studies Branch.
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