Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Page 112

Practice Issues
Let us consider the example of the value of a mother’s relationship with her
child. We have to first determine what an observable behaviour is and then
determine how we can measure any movement along a continuum, giving it
a quantifiable measurement usually using a scale. The challenge with these
kinds of measurements is in reaching an agreement on the scale and its
standardisation. Most social programmes tend to design their own scales
and justification.
It is easier to measure things for financial reporting than for social value.
We see attempts to translate volunteer hours into money using certain
assumptions of dollar value per hour. But these do not accurately explain
the real value of the volunteer efforts in terms of the social value that they
create such as the emotional connections between people and reduced
isolation.

Principles in measuring social value
So what then is a set of principles that would help us in measuring the social
impact of our efforts? These are some principles:
1. Involve stakeholders by talking to them about how they create change
and determine what should be included in the scope for accounting.
When measuring the value of the programme, do take note of what
contributes to the observable behavioural improvements that we want to
see from the programme and not just a general sense of the enjoyment
of an activity.
2. Review evidence from academia and practice especially in relation to
the theories of change and measurements of change. Learn how others
explain the type of change in human behaviour and how they collect
and analyse the data to explain the change and the limitations of such
approaches.
3. Value the things that matter by using financial proxies as indicators. This
will help to put a value to them by using the same terms as those used in
financial markets. Common measures used include terms such as “cost
to productivity” due to the downtime from sick leave, A&E attendance
and settlement of domestic issues. Other measures on the positive side
of the spectrum include gains in self-esteem when transiting from being
a client to being a volunteer.

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