Abstract:
The aim of this study is to investigate the potential behind utilising two different evaluation
methodologies simultaneously, namely the “Mandala for Reflective Self-assessment of
Sustainability Based on Social Utility” and the “Guide for Socio-environmental Impact
Assessment for Use in Investment Impact”. Each of the respective methodologies contribute
with its own concepts, notions as well as a wide range of assessment techniques. In this sense,
the objective of this work is threefold: (i) to situate the context of origin and development of
the theme of evaluating social utility and social impact, (ii) to carry out the experience of using
the evaluation methodologies in an applied scenario, and (iii) to present an analysis of what
approximates and differentiates the respective evaluation methodologies. In order to carry out
this investigation, the methodologies were applied and integrated into the performance of a
Community Development Bank in Matarandiba, Brazil, which supports itself through its
socioeconomic efforts that ultimately aim to strengthen the local economy. The research is
characterised by its qualitative and interpretive nature which uses content analysis as its data
analysis technique. Thus, the study points to the understanding of different bases of the two
notions through the methodologies that are related by social utility and social impact, which
express different aspects in terms of sought legitimacy, scale of effects and methods employed.
When confronting the main points of reference of both methodologies, it is possible to establish
significant distinctions as to the preference for participatory procedures and negotiated with the
appropriation and adaptation of criteria and indicators for social purposes overlapping with
issues of social utility, while on the other hand, there are procedures of a different nature -
summative assessment subject to the concept of social impact which establish a basis of
understanding based on verification of intervention processes on an objective view to measure
impact.
