What are the most reliable sources of social impact data for your business?

Besides the usual reliable data points like GRI, SASB etc., social impact databases like B Analytics and ImpactBase are good to refer to as they aggregate data on companies committed to social and environmental responsibility, providing access to credible and up-to-date social impact data and insights. Additionally, reports and publications from NGOs such as the World Wildlife Fund, Oxfam, and the UN offer comprehensive data on various social and environmental issues. Regularly updated government reports and publications, from agencies focused on environmental protection and social welfare, are also reliable sources for businesses aiming to make informed decisions based on reliable social impact data.

I'd say: - Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), - Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Indicators Database, - Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), - B Corporation Impact Assessment, - SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board), - CSRHub, - ImpactAlpha, - World Bank Data, - Social Progress Index (SPI), - Human Development Index (HDI), - OECD Better Life Index, to list a few. Always ensure that the data you use comes from reputable and authoritative sources. Additionally, consider the specific needs and goals of your business when selecting data sources to align with your social impact initiatives.

Social impact can also be measured through social media analytics. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram offer valuable insights into public sentiment and engagement with your brand or initiatives. These platforms provide real-time data on user interactions, mentions, and trends, enabling organizations to gauge the effectiveness of their social impact strategies and adjust accordingly. A study by the Pew Research Center found that 55% of U.S. adults get news from social media, highlighting its importance as a source -News Use Across Social Media Platforms in 2020, Pew Research Center, 2021. Social media analytics thus complement traditional survey methods by providing a broader, dynamic perspective.

In my review of the topic, I have found rankings based on indicators to be quite useful at the company level: Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI): Benchmarks companies on economic, environmental, and social criteria. FTSE4Good Index Series: Gauges companies with strong ESG practices. MSCI ESG Ratings: Comprehensive evaluation of companies on a broad range of ESG criteria Corporate Knights Global 100: Annual ranking of the world's most sustainable companies based on ESG indicators. CSRHub: Aggregates CSR data to generate rankings based on overall CSR performance. Reputation Institute's Global CSR RepTrak: Ranks companies on CSR practices and reputation.

A company itself serves as the primary source of valuable social data, dispersed throughout its various departments and processess. This decentralized data often resides in different organizational silos, reflecting diverse aspects of social matters. Human resources may hold insights into employee well-being and diversity, while customer service may capture stakeholder concerns. By systematically collecting and integrating this scattered data, a comprehensive picture of the company's social impact emerges. Collaborating across departments and leveraging technology for data consolidation allows for a holistic understanding of social performance. When effectively harnessed, it becomes a powerful tool for informed decision-making.

La participación en redes puede tener varios beneficios en tu proceso de medición de impacto social, te dejo algunos por aquí: - Comprar buenas prácticas de medición de impacto - Acceso a data de la comunidad de influencia - Acceso a marcos de trabajo especializados - Validación de los datos por terceros Entre otros

From education to environment, businesses use data to gauge their impact. Teach For America tracks graduation rates, Unilever tailors products with demographics (e.g., rural India water purifiers), Patagonia uses customer feedback (organic cotton transition), Walmart tracks energy & supplier practices, Global Fund partners share disease data, and CDP leverages satellite imagery for deforestation insights. These diverse sources empower businesses to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions for positive social & environmental impact.