Competing discourses of impact measurement: Insights from the field of impact investment

Abstract

The diversity of social impact measurement approaches creates confusion for organisations on the purpose and rationale for measuring social impact. This chapter draws on insights from the field of impact investment to unpack how impact investors explain their rationale for engaging in impact measurement practices. Using discourse analysis, the chapter explores the competing discourses of impact measurement forwarded by impact investment funds in the United Kingdom. The analysis examines the ways in which impact investors justify and explain their use of impact measurement practices on their websites and in their annual report and impact reports. It highlights the need for organisations to appreciate the multi-disciplinary nature of impact measurement as they strive to address the Sustainability Development Goals [Relevant SDGs: SDG17: Partnerships for the Goals].