The social return on investment model: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Purpose Social return on investment (SROI) has received increasing attention, both academically and professionally, since it was initially developed by the Roberts Enterprise Development Fund in the USA in the mid-1990s. Based on a systematic review of the literature that highlights the potential and limitations related to the academic and professional development of the SROI model, the purpose of this study is to systematize the academic debate and contribute to the future research agenda of blended value accounting. Design/methodology/approach Relying on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses approach, this study endeavors to provide reliable academic insights into the factors driving the usage of the SROI model and its further development. Findings A systematic literature review produced a final data set of 284 studies. The results reveal that despite the procedural accuracy characterizing the description of the model, bias-driven methodological implications, availability of resources and sector specificities can influence the type of approach taken by scholars and practitioners. Research limitations/implications To dispel the conceptual and practical haze, this study discusses the results found, especially regarding the potential solutions offered to overcome the SROI limitations presented, as well as offers suggestions for future research. Originality/value This study aims to fill a gap in the literature and enhance a conceptual debate on the future of accounting when it concerns a blended value proposition.

The Evaluation of Social Farming through Social Return on Investment: A Review

“…In fact, SROI was designed and developed in the UK [49], and this finding is consistent with other studies on SROI in other areas [16,50]. The distribution over the years 2013-2021 is also consistent with reviews in the literature on applications of this methodology [16,46,50,51]. Nowadays, the multifunctionality of agriculture is assuming an increasingly important role, especially in view of the new Agenda 2030 goals [6,40], and the interest in the role these practices play in creating social value is growing [2,39,52].…”

Utilising existing data for a pilot social return on investment analysis of the family wellbeing empowerment program: A justification and framework

“…Social Return on Investment methodology is comparable to other value for money evaluative techniques such as Return on Investment analysis and Cost-Benefit Analysis. However, Social Return on Investment analysis was seen as the most appropriate framework for this evaluation due to its broader conceptualisation of value (Corvo et al, 2022;Gargani, 2017) A mixed method and participatory approach to mitigate data limitations and bolster trustworthiness…”

Performances of Crypto, Market Indexes, and Gold Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparative Analysis

“…According to Corvo et al (2022), investing is basically putting much money in the present to make a profit in the future. In addition, investment can be understood as a commitment to invest in one or more investment objects to make a profit in the future.…”

“…However, cryptocurrencies are unstable since they have strong price fluctuations. Corvo et al (2022) asserted that Bitcoin and gold price fluctuations are caused by trading volume and market capitalization. The right investment requires taking into account the risk and the desired return to avoid making the wrong investment.…”