Lexico by Oxford defines impact as <the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with one another; a marked effect or influence>. However, there is a lot of ambiguity and confusion around what the term ‘impact’ truly means. How should it be defined? What kind of measurement should be done and how to accurately do it?
Official Definition Of Impact, According To The United Nations
<Impact implies changes in people’s lives. This might include changes in knowledge, skill, behavior, health or living conditions for children, adults, families or communities. Such changes are positive or negative long term effects on identifiable population groups produced by a development intervention, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended. These effects can be economic, socio-cultural, institutional, environmental, technological or of other types. Positive impacts should have some relationship to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), internationally-agreed development goals, national development goals (as well as human rights as enshrined in constitutions), and national commitments to international conventions and treaties.>
<In an impact assessment process, the term impact describes all the changes which are expected to happen due to the implementation and application of a given policy option/intervention. Such impacts may occur over different timescales, affect different actors and be relevant at different scales (local, regional, national and EU). In an evaluation context, impact refers to the changes associated with a particular intervention that occur over the longer term.>
Broad Considerations On Impact
- An impact can be intentional or non-intentional, direct or indirect, positive or negative, short-term or long-term;
- Measuring impact means using numerical, quantitative data
- It’s important to frame the context of the impact desired or being analyzed to interpret the data correctly and to establish correct cause-effect relationships;
- Impact, from a broader perspective, isn’t often just the effects of a given action or program but rather the result of multiple causes.
Everyone Is Talking About Impact Measurement Nowadays
When it comes to business and entrepreneurship, transparency around impact measurement is unquestionably in the spotlight. Investors, executive boards, managers, employees, funders and communities everywhere are demanding proof of impact. They are trying to understand whether their money, time and energy are making any difference.
However, speaking about having an impact and making a difference, don’t mean much per se – evidence (data) of how much progress is being done is crucial.
That’s why understanding how we are having an impact (and how much) has the potential to foster progress and societal development. By knowing if some specific action or program actually works we get better equipped with the knowledge to transform and improve our economy, our communities, and our planet.
Businesses And Corporate Impact
By understanding how much economic, social and environmental value organizations can create, they can leverage to have a stronger positive impact. Therefore, it is important that corporations, NGOs and social entrepreneurs companies and organizations define their tools and frameworks for measuring their impact.
> Find all about impact measurement in our impact measurement definition.
FAQs
Defining impact
What is the best definition of impact? ›
: a forceful contact or onset. also : the impetus communicated in or as if in such a contact. 2. : the force of impression of one thing on another : a significant or major effect. the impact of science on our society.
How do you define your impact? ›
Your impact equals your legacy. The impression you leave on this life and others is your legacy. You have the ability to become responsible for your actions and be intentional about your path. You can be intentional about your influence and your impact.
What is the specific meaning of impact? ›
Lexico by Oxford defines impact as <the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with one another; a marked effect or influence>.
What is the legal definition of impact? ›
Impact means the primary and secondary, long term effects produced by the Action.
What is impact and example? ›
The noun impact can refer to a physical force (like a collision), an influence (a bad role model or a hero), or a strong effect (a foot of snow will have an impact on driving conditions). Impact is used most often as a noun. A good teacher might have an impact (influence) on a struggling student.
How can you describe an impact? ›
The Oxford English dictionary gives two definitions of the word impact: 'the action of one object coming forcibly into contact with another' and 'a marked effect or influence'.
What is impact and why is it important? ›
It refers to the long-term effects of a programme or an intervention – the change or difference that has been brought about as a result. Impact is usually expressed in terms of the benefits or consequences for the intended beneficiaries or stakeholders, such as improvements in health outcomes or job creation.
What does impact mean in other words? ›
Some common synonyms of impact are collision, concussion, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other.
How do you identify impact? ›
To conduct an effective Impact Analysis, use the following steps:
- Prepare for Impact Analysis. The first step is to gather a good team, with access to the right information sources. ...
- Brainstorm Major Areas Affected. ...
- Identify All Areas. ...
- Evaluate Impacts. ...
- Manage the Consequences.
The mean point of impact is the midpoint between the extremes of the zone. This applies in adjustment. In Fire For Effect, it is roughly the centre of where all the rounds land. the arithmetic average of the point of impact of a group of rounds fired with the same data under a given set of conditions.
What is the scientific definition of impact? ›
Impact is a change in the world which results from research. For example, this could be: Influencing policy. Changing public opinion or informing debate. Generating income or enabling savings to be made.
What does consider the impact mean? ›
The impact that something has on a situation, process, or person is a sudden and powerful effect that it has on them.
When something makes an impact? ›
a powerful effect that something, especially something new, has on someone or something: a big/huge impact Social networks are making a huge impact on sales, with fans recommending brands to hundreds of their friends.
What is the principle of impact? ›
The Impact Principles are a framework for investors for the design and implementation of their impact management systems, ensuring that impact considerations are integrated throughout the investment lifecycle.
What is a person's impact? ›
The resulting effect, positive or negative, that the actions we take have to change the physical or mental state of others around us—and therefore have the power to change the future path of an individual or group.
What is the closest meaning of impact? ›
Some common synonyms of impact are collision, concussion, and shock. While all these words mean "a forceful, even violent contact between two or more things," impact may be used to imply contact between two things, at least one of which is impelled toward the other. the glass shattered on impact with the floor.
What is the biblical meaning of impact? ›
Impact is about good outcomes
Positive changes are those that conform to God's standard of goodness and His plan to renew all things. Therefore, we summarize “impact" or “kingdom impact” as: A concrete change that conforms with God's redemptive plans to renew our fallen world.
Can a impact be good or bad? ›
Every action you take, even if it's small, has a ripple effect that impacts others. Even if you're not trying to have an impact, your actions still affect the people and environment around you. And that impact can be positive or negative.
