What are the most effective metrics for measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the commitment of businesses to act ethically and contribute to the economic, social and environmental well-being of their stakeholders and society. In the transportation sector, CSR initiatives can address various issues such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving safety, enhancing accessibility, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting local communities. However, to assess the effectiveness and impact of these initiatives, businesses need to use appropriate metrics that capture the outcomes and value of their actions.

1 Why measure social impact?

Measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation is important for several reasons. First, it helps businesses to align their strategies and goals with the expectations and needs of their stakeholders, such as customers, employees, investors, regulators, and society at large. Second, it enables businesses to monitor and evaluate their performance and progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and improve their practices and processes. Third, it demonstrates businesses' accountability and transparency, and communicates their value proposition and competitive advantage to their audiences.

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Dr. Kaushik Sridhar FGIA GAICD

Portfolio Entrepreneur | Business & Career Coach | Keynote & TEDx Speaker | University Lecturer | Award-Winning Sustainability Professional | Best-Selling Author, "The Art of Winging It" | Former Professional Athlete
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Measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation is crucial for aligning strategies with stakeholder expectations, evaluating performance, and fostering accountability. It provides insights into societal benefits, employee well-being, and environmental sustainability, enabling businesses to adapt and enhance practices. This evaluation not only showcases transparency but also builds trust among customers, investors, and regulators. Ultimately, measuring social impact in transportation CSR initiatives is a strategic imperative, promoting responsible business practices, enhancing reputations, and ensuring long-term sustainability in a world where societal and environmental concerns are integral to corporate success.

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Rafael Gioielli

E&S Director | Board Member | CCA IBGC | ESG, CSR, Philanthropy |
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Adicionalmente, o setor de transportes exerce, na maioria das vezes, serviços de utilidade pública, por meio da oferta de serviços ao cidadão. Isso amplia a necessidade de avaliar kpis relacionados ao desempenho social.

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Talha Mansoor, FCCA,FMVA

International Financial Controller
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The most effective metrics to assess social impact in the transportation industry in my opinion would be : 1) The carbon emissions used by transportation vehicles 2) Managing expectations of environmental regulation agencies 3) informing public about its initiatives in this space

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2 What are the challenges of measuring social impact?

Measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation is not an easy task. It involves several challenges, such as defining the scope and boundaries of the impact, choosing the relevant indicators and data sources, collecting and analyzing the data, attributing the impact to the initiatives, and reporting and communicating the results. Moreover, different stakeholders may have different perspectives and preferences on what constitutes social impact, how it should be measured, and how it should be valued. Therefore, businesses need to adopt a holistic and inclusive approach that considers the views and interests of all their stakeholders.

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Rafael Gioielli

E&S Director | Board Member | CCA IBGC | ESG, CSR, Philanthropy |
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Aqui vale uma reflexão mais ficada as especificidades do setor. Transporte é uma indústria abrangente. Pode envolver desde o transporte de passageiros ao de carga. Pode se desenrolar no meio urbano ou interestadual. Pode utilizar diferentes modais (rodoviário, ferroviário, aéreo, fluvial ou marítimo). Ou seja, estas realidades, por si só, já indicam complexidade.

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Dr. Kaushik Sridhar FGIA GAICD

Portfolio Entrepreneur | Business & Career Coach | Keynote & TEDx Speaker | University Lecturer | Award-Winning Sustainability Professional | Best-Selling Author, "The Art of Winging It" | Former Professional Athlete
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Effective metrics for measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation include the reduction of carbon emissions, improvements in community well-being, enhanced accessibility, and increased safety. Carbon footprint reduction can be quantified through emissions data, while community well-being metrics may include job creation, education opportunities, and infrastructure development. Accessibility improvements can be gauged by assessing transportation options for marginalized communities. Safety metrics may involve tracking accident rates and emergency response times. However, challenges persist in defining impact boundaries, selecting relevant indicators, and accounting for diverse stakeholder perspectives.

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3 What are the types of metrics for measuring social impact?

When measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation, there are various metrics to consider depending on the level, dimension, and purpose of the measurement. Input metrics measure the resources and efforts invested in CSR initiatives, such as money, time, staff, materials, and partnerships. Output metrics measure the activities and outputs that result from CSR initiatives, such as the number of vehicles or trips. Outcome metrics measure the changes and benefits that occur for stakeholders and society due to CSR initiatives, such as reduced emissions or improved satisfaction. Lastly, impact metrics measure the long-term effects and value created by CSR initiatives, such as contributions to sustainable development goals or shared value.

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Rafael Gioielli

E&S Director | Board Member | CCA IBGC | ESG, CSR, Philanthropy |
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Acredito que pensar a RSE como um campo de atuação independente, não faz sentido. As métricas sociais devem estar integrado as atividades core do negócio, podendo, sim, envolver a medição de insumos, atividades e resultados. Porém, devemos superar a ideia de performance social que não seja medida a partir da própria operação.

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4 How to choose the most effective metrics?

When selecting the most effective metrics for measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation, businesses need to take several factors into consideration. These include the relevance and alignment of the metrics with the objectives and vision of the CSR initiatives and the business strategy, as well as their feasibility and availability in terms of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Additionally, businesses should evaluate the reliability and validity of the metrics in terms of accuracy, consistency, and comparability, as well as their clarity and simplicity in terms of communication and interpretation. Finally, stakeholder engagement and participation in the selection and use of the metrics should also be taken into account.

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Rafael Gioielli

E&S Director | Board Member | CCA IBGC | ESG, CSR, Philanthropy |
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Envolver múltiplos stakeholders para esta definição parece um movimento acertado e necessário. Porém, cada empresa do setor deve se até tar as suas especificidades para definição das métricas, considerando seus modais, tipo de clientes e ambiente de operação.

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5 How to use the metrics for improvement and communication?

Once the metrics are chosen and applied, businesses need to use them for improvement and communication purposes. For improvement, businesses need to use the metrics to track and assess their performance and impact, identify gaps and opportunities, and implement corrective and preventive actions. For communication, businesses need to use the metrics to report and disclose their performance and impact, showcase their achievements and challenges, and engage and influence their stakeholders. In both cases, businesses need to use the metrics in a transparent, consistent, and credible manner.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most effective metrics for measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation?

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1 Why measure social impact?

2 What are the challenges of measuring social impact?

3 What are the types of metrics for measuring social impact?

4 How to choose the most effective metrics?

5 How to use the metrics for improvement and communication?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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What are the most effective metrics for measuring the social impact of CSR initiatives in transportation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Why measure social impact?

2 What are the challenges of measuring social impact?

3 What are the types of metrics for measuring social impact?

4 How to choose the most effective metrics?

5 How to use the metrics for improvement and communication?

6 Here’s what else to consider

Corporate Social Responsibility

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