Introduction
Impact measurement is a crucial aspect of operations for social purpose organizations (SPOs), helping them assess whether they are achieving their intended goals. However, many organizations struggle with the burden that measurement imposes—both in terms of cost and the human resources required. A recent study co-authored by John F. Akwetey, Senior Evaluation Specialist at Cloneshouse, sheds light on how SPOs can optimize their impact measurement processes to ensure they are both effective and manageable.
Published in the Social Enterprise Journal, the research examines the core practices that make impact measurement useful without overburdening organizations with limited resources. The findings are particularly relevant for SPOs looking to gain actionable insights from their impact assessments while maintaining operational efficiency.
The Challenge of Impact Measurement
For many social purpose organizations, measuring impact is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides valuable insights that can drive organizational success and accountability. On the other, it can be expensive, time-consuming, and complicated, especially when different tools and frameworks do not align with the financial and human resources available.
While there are several impact measurement models in use, many organizations find it difficult to determine which practices will genuinely add value to their work without becoming a drain on their resources. This research seeks to bridge that gap by identifying a minimum set of essential practices that ensure impact measurement is useful and not overly burdensome.
Key Findings: The Ten Essential Practices
The study analyzed data from SPOs using factor analysis to determine which impact measurement practices are most strongly associated with positive outcomes. The researchers initially examined the Common Foundations Model, a widely used framework for impact measurement. However, their analysis showed that this model, while comprehensive, did not fully align with organizations’ practical experiences.
As a result, the authors refined and validated a revised model that highlights ten essential impact measurement practices that are both effective and sustainable for SPOs. These practices streamline impact measurement processes, ensuring that organizations can gather meaningful insights without unnecessary complexity.
Why This Research Matters
The findings of this study are particularly valuable for social enterprises, nonprofits, and mission-driven businesses that often struggle to balance rigorous impact assessment with the realities of their resource constraints. By adopting the recommended ten practices, organizations can:
- Make data-driven decisions that enhance their programs and initiatives
- Reduce the burden of complex and expensive measurement systems
- Ensure accountability to funders, stakeholders, and communities
- Maximize impact without compromising operational efficiency
A Practical Framework for SPOs
This research provides more than just theoretical insights; it offers a validated framework for organizations seeking to implement impact measurement effectively. The study equips SPOs with a refined approach that aligns measurement efforts with their available resources while ensuring they continue to benefit from the insights that impact assessment provides.
Final Thoughts
For SPOs that want to refine their impact measurement strategies, this study offers a much-needed roadmap. It demonstrates that impact measurement does not have to be overwhelming—when done strategically, it can be both manageable and highly beneficial.
To dive deeper into the full research and explore the ten essential practices in detail, read the full article:
Reference: Akwetey, J.F., Ricci, L., Ruff, K.(K)., & Zaredorahi, F. (2025). Impact measurement among social purpose organizations: which practices are associated with useful, non-burdensome impact measurement. Social Enterprise Journal, 21(2), 270-293. Read more here.
