Measuring the Impact of Shared Value: The Business Case

Abstract

Shared value is a concept that, since its emergence in 2011, has attracted the interest of academics, governments, business leaders, and decision-makers across various sectors. Traditionally, value creation has been confused with sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and related concepts; however, a common thread connects them through the simultaneous creation of social value and economic value.

Within this exploratory study, the first business case on how to measure shared value was developed, with the purpose of representing value creation through variables that benefit society, such as employee health and skills, safety, environmental impact, water use, energy use, and the creation of new microenterprises, among others.

The results of the research provide guidance for measuring additional cases, offering an innovative proposal at both national and international levels on how to assess shared value and how social investment can generate returns for businesses.