Editorial: social impact in business research

Purpose This editorial aims to define what social impact is, and what it is not, in the context of business research and to introduce the articles in the first special issue of the Journal of Social Impact in Business Research. Design/methodology/approach A conceptual approach is used drawing on scholarly frameworks. Findings This editorial proposes a business research specific definition of social impact that reflects core features of social impact and characteristics of business research. Social impact in business research is defined as the: creation of value for people through business scholarly activities resulting in intentional improvement in micro, meso or macro economic, human and environmental phenomena over time with the market and organisations leading, partnering, supporting or yielding (to) change. This editorial also summarises the articles in this special issue. Practical implications This editorial assists business scholars to scope the nature of social impact in business research and is a foundation for supporting business schools to play a key role in achieving social betterment. Originality/value This editorial introduces the first business research-specific definition of social impact that goes beyond behaviour to include observable phenomena at micro, meso and macro levels of a system. The definition is based on the unique characteristics of business research and is tailored for business researchers.