Social Value and International Development: Towards a Common Approach? By Rachael
Morgan, the University of Manchester
Research: Rachael introduced her doctoral research to the group:
Introduction: Progress is being made, in an International context, to define a common set of
outcomes of 'value' to all human beings. Frameworks such as the HDI, MDG's and the Social
progress Index incorporate 'social outcomes' to some extent. Developing these to include
financialised values have implications for the development community.
Aims: To establish how social value is created and destroyed in the context of International
Development. To critically analyse the social progress indicators used to measure 'human
development' in an international context. In order to assess the impact of social valuation on
development aims.
Objectives:
1. What is value? An exploration of fiscal, economic, social and environmental value - history and
emergence.
2. Who is using 'social value' in a decision making context? And to what extent?
3. How are decisions above social value and outcomes made and what are the motives of
stakeholders in this space?
4. What progress is being made towards valuing a 'common social outcomes' framework and
what is the impact on stakeholders (case study: social impact analysis of framework)
5. What will be the impact of using social outcomes valuation in aid and investment decision
making?
Content:
Attendees were then asked for their feedback on this research and the themes presented. They
were asked to participate in four activities to express their opinions. The results of which are
presented here:
1. SWOT analysis of Common Social Outcomes Framework
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
- Make different stakeholders (public/private) speak the same
- How can we put in a single (?) the complexity of social
language.
- Speak same language between sectors - clear definitions.
- Help educating people to social utility notion.
- Provides a way for funders to collaborate and evaluate impact
across sectors and countries.
- Give a consensus to decisions (something more tangible than
feeling of)
OPPORTUNITIES
outcomes?
- Has the potential for people to ignore the context of
implementation which is key.
- Reductionist - can the outcomes really cover all communities
across all types of development?
- A common framework would need to include a way to compare
between countries/issues. Is this possible?
THREATS
- Reduce duplication/create a focus - what are we really trying to - Be precise about - the field of impacts, the time (short, mid,
achieve.
- Opportunity to define social wellbeing as end goal (and what
need to build to get there...)
- Being able to compare organisations
- Potential to create the same momentum as MDG's - may not
have been successful in terms of outcomes but made people
aware and move towards change.
- Speak a common language
2. Valuing Values - a valuation framework
long term effects)
- Make something too narrow to take in consideration
specificities of everyone.
- How do you reconcile UK development goals/ economic dev if
socially sustainable outcomes is what stakeholders want?
- 'western' definitions - how do you ensure you capture what
matters to those communities?
Which is the most important type of value for you?
Fiscal (savings to state)
Economic (Improved economic
outcomes)
Social (improved social outcomes)
- 0 votes
- Not just benefits to those that put up the
- 0 votes
- New models of economic participation -
- 0 votes
cash.
- Savings to state not necessarily relevant
in development context - quantified
social value?
those that are
social/econ/environmentally sustainable
e.g. coops (?)
Environmental
Mix of all above (blended outcomes)
Other (Please list...)
- 0 votes
- 2 votes
- Participation in decision making - active
citizens?
3. The Social Progress Framework - showing results from 'most important' to least
Which of these 12 outcomes is most important to society?
Most Important
Important
Nutrition and Basic medical care
2
1
Air, water and sanitiation
1
1
Access to Basic Knowledge
1
1
Health and wellbeing
1
1
Personal freedom and choice
1
1
Tolerance and inclusion
1
1
Personal safety
0
2
Access to information and communication
0
1
Ecosystem sustainability
0
1
Personal Rights
0
0
Access to Higher Education
0
0
Shelter
0
0
4. Common Social Outcomes
Can you think of any additional outcomes that could/should be included?
- No additional outcomes identified.
Outcomes:
The results of this workshop will be shared internally with the Leverhulme Centre for the Study of
Value at the University of Manchester. They will also be used to inform research questions to be
addressed within Rachael Morgan's doctoral research as part of an inductive data gathering
process.