A Playbook for Designing Social Impact Measurement: Data-Driven Decision-Making
- Fundação RESET
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
Measuring social impact is critical for organizations seeking to create meaningful and sustainable change. The Playbook for Designing Social Impact Measurement provides a structured approach to evaluating how and why programs work, ensuring that resources are directed toward effective solutions. By thinking about impact measurement as a spectrum, organizations can progressively enhance their methodologies to move from anecdotal evidence to rigorous, data-backed evaluations.
Key Findings
1. The Spectrum of Impact Measurement
Impact measurement exists on a spectrum of complexity and confidence, ranging from basic data tracking to experimental research methods. The playbook outlines five stages of measurement, starting with the Theory of Change, where organizations define their intended impact, and advancing toward Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), which provide the highest level of evidence. While not all organizations require RCTs, moving up the spectrum enables them to make more reliable claims about their effectiveness.
2. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Data Collection
Establishing clear and relevant KPIs is essential for measuring success. Organizations should focus on metrics that align with their Theory of Change, prioritizing those that provide insights into program effectiveness rather than merely tracking outputs. The playbook emphasizes the importance of continuous data collection and analysis, ensuring that organizations can adapt their strategies based on real-time feedback.
3. Advancing to Experimental Methods
For organizations that need to prove causal impact, quasi-experimental designs and RCTs are the gold standard. These methods involve comparing groups that receive an intervention with those that do not, helping to isolate the actual effects of a program. However, resource constraints and ethical considerations often limit the feasibility of such studies, making it essential to balance methodological rigor with practical constraints.
Effective social impact measurement is not about collecting more data, but about collecting the right data in a structured way. By progressing through the impact measurement spectrum, organizations can refine their evaluation practices, enhance decision-making, and demonstrate real, evidence-based change.
The Bibliography source:
RESET Foundation is committed with the The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Mozambique LNG project are linked to several SDGs:
The SDG'sG's, also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity.
