Eighteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Social return on investment is a well explored method of measuring change in the social development world. Frameworks used to evaluate social impact primarily draw from business management sectors that reduce the social value of programs and services of non-profits to a dollar value (Arvidson et al., 2010). What is less explored, however, is the return on social engagement. Researchers at Aspen Family and Community Network have been exploring innovations around concepts, practices, and metrics of social engagement. They proposed Social Return on Engagement (SROETM) to provide a framework of service delivery and a tool to capture meaningful social engagement and its returns. Drawing from a larger mixed-methods study, SROE will be presented as a social innovation and a contribution to knowledge on engagement and social change. In working with diverse populations, assessing the social value and returns on social engagement is an empowering approach by understanding how supportive networks and resources that can be drawn upon in times of need (Kretzmann and McKnight, 1993; Putnam, 1995). The study is built on preliminary and mid-research findings. Implications on the application and relevance of SROE for international and local community development practice, education, research, and policy will be discussed.