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Social Return On Investment (SROI): Problems, solutions … and is SROI a good investment?

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  • Yates, Brian T.
  • Marra, Mita

Abstract

The conclusion of this special issue on Social Return On Investment (SROI) begins with a summary of both advantages and problems of SROI, many of which were identified in preceding articles. We also offer potential solutions for some of these problems that can be derived from standard evaluation practices and that are becoming expected in SROIs that follow guidances from international SROI networks. A remaining concern about SROI is that we do not yet know if SROI itself adds sufficient benefit to programs to justify its cost. Two frameworks for this proposed metaevaluation of SROI are suggested, the first comparing benefits to costs summatively (the resource→outcome model). The second framework evaluates costs and benefits according to how much they contribute to or are caused by the different activities of SROI. This resource→activity→outcome model could enable outcomes of SROI to be maximized within resource constraints (such as budget and time limits) on SROI. Alternatively, information from this model could help minimize the costs of achieving a specific level of return on investment from conducting SROI. Possible problems with this metaevaluation of SROI are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Yates, Brian T. & Marra, Mita, 2017. "Social Return On Investment (SROI): Problems, solutions … and is SROI a good investment?," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 136-144.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:64:y:2017:i:c:p:136-144
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2016.11.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Yates, Brian T., 2009. "Cost-inclusive evaluation: A banquet of approaches for including costs, benefits, and cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses in your next evaluation," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 52-54, February.
    2. Herman, Patricia M. & Avery, Deirdre J. & Schemp, Crystal S. & Walsh, Michele E., 2009. "Are cost-inclusive evaluations worth the effort?," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 55-61, February.
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    6. Andre Poyser & Ayesha Scott & Aaron Gilbert, 2021. "Indigenous investments: Are they different? Lessons from Iwi," Australian Journal of Management, Australian School of Business, vol. 46(2), pages 287-303, May.
    7. Yates, Brian T., 2021. "Toward collaborative cost-inclusive evaluation: Adaptations and transformations for evaluators and economists," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 89(C).
    8. Bellucci, Marco & Biggeri, Mario & Nitti, Carmela & Terenzi, Linda, 2023. "Accounting for disability and work inclusion in tourism," Annals of Tourism Research, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    9. Banke-Thomas, Aduragbemi & Nieuwenhuis, Sonja & Ologun, Adesoji & Mortimore, Gordon & Mpakateni, Martin, 2019. "Embedding value-for-money in practice: A case study of a health pooled fund programme implemented in conflict-affected South Sudan," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    10. Kemi Adeyeye & John Gallagher & Helena M. Ramos & Aonghus McNabola, 2022. "The Social Return Potential of Micro Hydropower in Water Networks Based on Demonstrator Examples," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-21, September.
    11. Mercedes Ruiz-Lozano & Pilar Tirado-Valencia & Antonio Sianes & Antonio Ariza-Montes & Vicente Fernández-Rodríguez & Mª Carmen López-Martín, 2020. "SROI Methodology for Public Administration Decisions about Financing with Social Criteria. A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-16, February.

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