From Metrics To Meaning: Analyzing The Influence Of Social Impact Assessment In Enhancing CSR Outcomes

Abstract

Legal mandates aside, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is today a strategic driver of sustainable growth. Still, its effectiveness hinges on our ability to evaluate and enhance societal impacts. With an eye toward public sector companies in Kerala, this article looks at how Social Impact Assessment (SIA) might assist to improve CSR efficacy. The study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate how SIA influences Stakeholder Engagement, Impact Measurement, and Strategic Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby improving CSR outcomes. The results suggest that SIA greatly increases CSR efficacy; impact measurement shows out to be the most crucial element. Strong SIA systems moderates CSR impact even if Stakeholder Engagement and SDG Alignment aid to explain CSR efficacy. Based on Stakeholder Theory, Institutional Theory, the Triple Bottom Line framework, and Shared Value Theory, the study underlines the importance of structured impact assessment methodologies to inspire accountability, best use of resources, and maximum long-term societal benefits. The paper provides public sector enterprises in Kerala with useful advice advocating the inclusion of standardized SIA frameworks to guarantee CSR activities are measurable, successful, and aligned with global sustainability objectives.