Social Impact, a Theoretical Model

Main Article Content

Jenny Onyx

Abstract

This paper constructs a theoretical model of social impact as it applies to civil society organisations. It does so by drawing on the recent literature on the topic as well as recently completed empirical studies. First, the relationship between impact and evaluation is examined. This is followed by an exploration of the capitals, notably social, human, and cultural capital and their interrelationships, as a theoretical base for the explication of social impact. A formal model of social impact is then identified together with a set of basic principles that may be said to define social impact. Finally the implications of the model are discussed for social policy and organisational management.

Article Details

Section
Articles (refereed)
Author Biography

Jenny Onyx, University of Technology Sydney

Professor of Community Management, Co-Director of Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Research Centre