# Impact management > What impact management is and how to do it well. Frameworks, methods and practical guidance to measure and manage change. Source: https://narrate.works/impact-management Language: English (Nederlands: https://narrate.works/impactmanagement) Publisher: Narrate (Narrate B.V.), https://narrate.works A complete approach to measuring and managing what your organisation changes, and for whom Impact management means defining, measuring and improving what your organisation’s work does for people, the environment and the economy. It goes beyond measuring. It covers the full cycle of planning, doing, learning and adapting. ## What do you use impact management for? Organisations use impact management for five things. Most need more than one, and each asks for something different. Impact management sits between change management and reporting: from making sense of what is happening to being accountable for it. ### Discovery Find connections, patterns and perspectives that raise new questions. See the wider picture before you judge or act. Services that help - [Impact maturity discovery](https://narrate.works/solutions/discovery) - [Coaching & guidance](https://narrate.works/solutions/coaching) - [Advice, design & prototype](https://narrate.works/solutions/consultancy) - [Speaking and moderation](https://narrate.works/solutions/speaking) Topics and who it is for - Sensemaking - Trend watching - Early signal detection - Risks & opportunities - Watchtower Who uses this most - [Industry changemakers](https://narrate.works/with/industry-changemakers) - [Think tanks & policy researchers](https://narrate.works/with/think-tanks-policy-researchers) - [Corporate sustainability](https://narrate.works/with/corporate-sustainability) - [Investors](https://narrate.works/with/investors) [Articles on this (2)](https://narrate.works/resources-and-insights?perspective=discover) ### Leadership Choose targeted interventions and follow what effect they have in practice. Make steering a repeatable cycle of choosing, following, learning and choosing again. Services that help - [Coaching & guidance](https://narrate.works/solutions/coaching) - [Advice, design & prototype](https://narrate.works/solutions/consultancy) - [Rapid response](https://narrate.works/solutions/rapid-response) - [Interim leadership](https://narrate.works/solutions/interim) - [Strategic communication](https://narrate.works/solutions/strategic-communication) - [Monitoring and evaluation](https://narrate.works/solutions/monitoring-and-evaluation) - [Implementation & delivery](https://narrate.works/solutions/implementation) - [Sessions](https://narrate.works/solutions/sessions) - [Training](https://narrate.works/solutions/training) - [Impact stories & reports](https://narrate.works/solutions/impact-stories) Topics and who it is for - Purpose & motivation - Mission progress - Strategy development & execution - Fundraising Who uses this most - [Social enterprises](https://narrate.works/with/social-enterprises) - [Foundations](https://narrate.works/with/foundations) - [Family businesses](https://narrate.works/with/family-businesses) - [Public sector bodies](https://narrate.works/with/public-sector-bodies) [Articles on this (12)](https://narrate.works/resources-and-insights?perspective=steer) ### Improvement Use examples and lessons to understand what works, what doesn’t and why, and adjust your approach together. Services that help - [Coaching & guidance](https://narrate.works/solutions/coaching) - [Advice, design & prototype](https://narrate.works/solutions/consultancy) - [Interim leadership](https://narrate.works/solutions/interim) - [Monitoring and evaluation](https://narrate.works/solutions/monitoring-and-evaluation) - [Teams and workflows](https://narrate.works/solutions/teams-and-workflows) - [Expertise & expert panels](https://narrate.works/solutions/expertise) - [Implementation & delivery](https://narrate.works/solutions/implementation) - [Sessions](https://narrate.works/solutions/sessions) - [Training](https://narrate.works/solutions/training) - [Workshops](https://narrate.works/solutions/workshops) - [Second opinion & peer review](https://narrate.works/solutions/second-opinion) - [Evaluations](https://narrate.works/solutions/evaluation) Topics and who it is for - Operational performance (effectiveness & efficiency) - Learning & development - Research, design & development - (Inter)dependencies - Innovation Who uses this most - [Universities & research](https://narrate.works/with/universities-research) - [Scale-ups](https://narrate.works/with/scale-ups) - [Philanthropy](https://narrate.works/with/philanthropy) - [Capacity builders & trainers](https://narrate.works/with/capacity-builders-trainers) [Articles on this (19)](https://narrate.works/resources-and-insights?perspective=improve) ### Engagement Say clearly what you do, what you learn and what you don’t know yet. Match language, form and detail to whoever receives it. Services that help - [Coaching & guidance](https://narrate.works/solutions/coaching) - [Advice, design & prototype](https://narrate.works/solutions/consultancy) - [Rapid response](https://narrate.works/solutions/rapid-response) - [Strategic communication](https://narrate.works/solutions/strategic-communication) - [Teams and workflows](https://narrate.works/solutions/teams-and-workflows) - [Sessions](https://narrate.works/solutions/sessions) - [Workshops](https://narrate.works/solutions/workshops) - [Speaking and moderation](https://narrate.works/solutions/speaking) - [Impact stories & reports](https://narrate.works/solutions/impact-stories) Topics and who it is for - Communication & branding - Stakeholder engagement - Sales & marketing - Collaboration & partnerships - Ecosystem building Who uses this most - [Networks & ecosystem builders](https://narrate.works/with/networks-ecosystem-builders) - [Trade associations](https://narrate.works/with/industry-associations) - [Social enterprises](https://narrate.works/with/social-enterprises) - [Incubators/accelerators](https://narrate.works/with/incubators-accelerators) [Articles on this (8)](https://narrate.works/resources-and-insights?perspective=engage) ### Accountability Show where figures and statements come from and what they do and don’t prove. Separate facts, assumptions and interpretation, so claims stay verifiable. Services that help - [Coaching & guidance](https://narrate.works/solutions/coaching) - [Advice, design & prototype](https://narrate.works/solutions/consultancy) - [Rapid response](https://narrate.works/solutions/rapid-response) - [Monitoring and evaluation](https://narrate.works/solutions/monitoring-and-evaluation) - [Expertise & expert panels](https://narrate.works/solutions/expertise) - [Second opinion & peer review](https://narrate.works/solutions/second-opinion) - [Evaluations](https://narrate.works/solutions/evaluation) - [Impact stories & reports](https://narrate.works/solutions/impact-stories) Topics and who it is for - Procurement - Benchmarking - Compliance & control - Due diligence - Valuation - Assurance Who uses this most - [Investors](https://narrate.works/with/investors) - [Corporate sustainability](https://narrate.works/with/corporate-sustainability) - [Public sector bodies](https://narrate.works/with/public-sector-bodies) - [SME suppliers](https://narrate.works/with/sme-suppliers) [Articles on this (20)](https://narrate.works/resources-and-insights?perspective=account) ## Common drivers & benefits These are the most common reasons organisations turn to impact management, and the benefits they experience. We’ve grouped them under four of the five perspectives. They often overlap and reinforce each other. ### Leadership - purpose & motivation - mission progress - strategy development & execution - fundraising - early signal detection - risks & opportunities assessment ### Improvement - operational performance (effectiveness & efficiency) - learning & development - research, design & development - (inter-) dependencies - innovation ### Engagement - communication & branding - stakeholder engagement - sales & marketing - collaboration & partnerships - ecosystem building ### Accountability - procurement - benchmarking - compliance & control - due diligence - valuation ## The impact management cycle 1 ### Plan & design Develop your Theory of Change, identify stakeholders, and select appropriate indicators aligned with your mission and context. 2 ### Measure & collect Set up data collection, gather evidence from several sources, and make sure the data is reliable. 3 ### Analyse & learn Interpret findings, identify patterns and causality, and generate insights that inform decision-making. 4 ### Report & communicate Share results with stakeholders, meet reporting requirements, and tell compelling impact stories. 5 ### Improve & adapt Use insights to refine programmes, adjust strategies, and continuously improve your impact approach. ## Core principles of effective impact management ### Intentionality Deliberately setting impact goals and designing activities to achieve them ### Stakeholder-centricity Centring the voices and experiences of those you aim to benefit ### Evidence-based Using rigorous data and analysis to understand what works and why ### Continuous learning Treating impact management as an iterative process of improvement ### Transparency Openly sharing methods, findings, and lessons, including failures ### Proportionality Matching the depth of measurement to the scale and risk of activities ## Key frameworks & standards We work with the frameworks and standards that are common around the world. Below are the ones Narrate worked with. - [ToC](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#verandertheorie) - [SDGs](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#sdgs) - [UNGP](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#ungp) - [TRL](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#trl) - [Logic model](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#logic-model) - [Logical framework](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#logframe) - [Impact value chain](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#impactwaardeketen) - [Systems map](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#systeemkaart) - [Iceberg model](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#ijsbergmodel) - [Three Horizons](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#three-horizons) - [Social Impact Navigator](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#social-impact-navigator) - [BSC](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#balanced-scorecard) 56 more we have worked with - [OKR](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#okr) - [IMP](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#imp) - [Five dimensions of impact](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#vijf-dimensies) - [Operating Principles for Impact Management](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#operating-principles) - [SDG Impact Standards](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#sdg-impact-standards) - [ISO 26000](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#iso-26000) - [Broad wellbeing](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#brede-welvaart) - [Doughnut Economics](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#donuteconomie) - [Six Capitals](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#six-capitals) - [IRIS+](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#iris) - [GRI](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#gri) - [BIA](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#bia) - [GHG](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#ghg-protocol) - [LCA](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#lca) - [TNFD](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#tnfd) - [MAEX](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#maex) - [Outcomes Star](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#outcomes-star) - [BREEAM and LEED](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#breeam-leed) - [Green Key](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#green-key) - [BVI](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#bvi) - [ISSB](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#issb) - [VSME](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#vsme) - [SBTi](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#sbti) - [PCAF](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#pcaf) - [CSR Performance Ladder](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#csr-prestatieladder) - [ISO 14001](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#iso-14001) - [SROI](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#sroi) - [Principles of Social Value](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#social-value) - [IWAF](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#iwa) - [True Price](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#true-pricing) - [MKBA](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#mkba) - [IP&L](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#integrated-pl) - [Capitals Coalition protocols](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#capitals-protocols) - [VBA](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#value-balancing-alliance) - [SIB](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#outcomes-based-finance) - [OECD-DAC](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#oecd-dac) - [Contribution analysis](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#contributieanalyse) - [Outcome harvesting](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#outcome-harvesting) - [MSC](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#most-significant-change) - [Realist evaluation](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#realist-evaluation) - [Lean Data](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#lean-data) - [Outcome mapping](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#outcome-mapping) - [Ripple effects mapping](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#ripple-effects-mapping) - [Developmental evaluation](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#developmental-evaluation) - [Utilization-focused evaluation](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#utilization-focused-evaluation) - [Participatory evaluation and action research](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#participatieve-evaluatie) - [Process tracing](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#process-tracing) - [RCT](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#experimenteel-onderzoek) - [Kirkpatrick model](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#kirkpatrick) - [RBA](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#results-based-accountability) - [CSRD](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#csrd) - [ESRS](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#esrs) - [Double materiality assessment](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#dubbele-materialiteit) - [CSDDD](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#csddd) - [EU Taxonomy](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#eu-taxonomie) - [SFDR](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks#sfdr) [All frameworks, standards and methods](https://narrate.works/impact-management/frameworks) ## Our approach to impact management At Narrate, we believe impact management should be: **Practical and proportionate:** fit for purpose without overloading your team or budget **Aware of context:** each organisation works in its own situation **Participatory:** stakeholders take part throughout the process **Action-oriented:** insights that directly help decisions and improvement We help you build impact management systems that work for your organisation. Not generic solutions, but tailored approaches that are rigorous and practical. ## Ready to strengthen your impact management? Let’s discuss how we can help you measure and manage impact more effectively. Not sure which form of collaboration fits? [Try the collaboration explorer](https://narrate.works/collaboration-explorer)