Unveiling impact measurement: navigating the evolving landscape in France

Purpose This article aims to explore the growing adoption of social impact measurement (SIM) among French Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations (SSEOs) in the context of a global drive for accountability. It examines the evolution of SIM, its implications, risks and methodological challenges. Key themes include the transition from “social utility” to “social impact,” the emergence of an impact-driven market, and concerns about the limitations of standardized measurement models. The paper calls for a diverse approach to evaluation, aiming to preserve the unique identities of SSEOs and promote innovation. Design/methodology/approach This comprehensive literature review, covering both academic and grey literature, explores the evolution of SIM in French SSEOs. It focuses on regulatory frameworks, stakeholder engagement and methodological principles to provide a thorough understanding of the implications and potential risks. Findings The findings highlight a major shift in public policy instruments, driven by the growing adoption of SIM within French SSEOs. While SIM methods offer opportunities, they also pose risks, such as the commodification of social impact, the rise of isomorphic practices and an overemphasis on performativity. Research limitations/implications The research implications emphasize the need to recognize how SIM affects the organizational identity of SSEOs and to foster discussions on alternative evaluation methods. A limitation of the study is its focus on French SSEOs, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other contexts within the broader social economy sector. Practical implications The article provides valuable insights for policymakers, SSEOs and stakeholders on the role of SIM in the French social economy. It advocates for critical evaluation and policy alignment to improve the sector’s overall effectiveness. Social implications The social implications involve gaining a deeper understanding of how SIM practices affect the identity and operations of French SSEOs. By emphasizing risks such as commodification and isomorphic trends, the article encourages reflection on the broader societal impacts. Originality/value The article’s originality stems from its thorough exploration of SIM’s evolution within French SSEOs. Its value lies in shedding light on the complex relationship between SIM adoption, organizational identity and societal values, thereby encouraging informed decision-making and deeper discourse within the SSEOs landscape.