SROI as a Method for Evaluation Research
Understanding Merits and Limitations
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12250097 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Florentine Maier (0000-0002-4687-4905, corresponding author), Christian Schöber, Ruth Simsa (0000-0002-6194-6188), Reinhard Millner (0000-0001-8086-9723) |
| Year | 2014 |
| Volume | 26 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Pages | 1805-1830 |
| Publication date | 2014-09-08 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Voluntas Revista Internacional de Filosofia (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2179-3786 • E-ISSN: 1573-7888 |
| Publisher | Springer Science+Business Media (PUBLISHER • DE) |
| DOI | 10.1007/s11266-014-9490-x |
| OpenAlex | W1980089365 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 24 |
| References cited | 29 |
NPOs and their funders are increasingly drawn to the Social Return on Investment (SROI) method to evaluate the social impact of programs, organizations, or organization networks. While many claims about the benefits of SROI have been expressed, various points of criticism have also been raised. On the basis of both current research and our own experience in conducting SROI analyses, we develop a comprehensive assessment of this method, which is structured along two dimensions: the observer’s paradigmatic perspective, on the one hand, and positive or negative valuation, on the other. We identify two major merits: SROI analysis can provide legitimacy to NPOs or their funders, and it can assist in allocating resources efficiently and effectively. We identify limitations from three perspectives: From an interpretative-sociological perspective, criticism of commensuration and utilitarianism calls the method as a whole into question. From a technical-instrumental perspective, there are a number of difficulties that could, however, be overcome as the method matures. From an intermediary perspective, a number of limitations become apparent that, while inherent to SROI analysis, are no reason for abandoning it, as long as they are thoroughly understood. We conclude by providing suggestions for the responsible use of SROI analysis
Business · Criticism · Economics · Engineering ethics · Legitimacy · Management science · Perspective (graphical · Political science · Sociology · Utilitarianism · Valuation (finance · Community Development and Social Impact · Computer Science · Engineering · Law · Management and Organizational Studies · Psychology · Social Capital and Networks
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| Unique citing works | 24 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2,67 |
| Citation span | 2017 - 2026 (10) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 24 |