Communicating value effectively. Why the third sector should develop methodological expertise in the field of (not only) social impact assessment

Journal title RIV Rassegna Italiana di Valutazione
Author/s Irene Psaroudakis, Gabriele Tomei
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/94
Language Italian Pages 26 P. 11-36 File size 0 KB
DOI 10.3280/Riv2026oa22391
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Within the framework established by the Italian Third Sector Code and the recent ministerial directives, evaluation capacity is essential for the innovation and sustainability of Third Sector Entities (ETS): both in terms of external accountability and internal learning, to valorize the quality produced in the communities, and to acquire new professional (and auto-reflexive) competencies. Through a theoretical and methodological analysis, the article explores the evolution of Social Impact Assessment (VIS), its application in Italy, and the proliferation of evaluation models. However, the study highlights how ETS – particularly Volunteer Organizations and Social Promotion Associations – still display methodological gaps and forms of organizational inertia. The Authors propose a flexible, modular and self-reflective approach to VIS, based on mixed methods and integrating quantitative, qualitative, and network dimensions to enhance organizational learning, identity, and community social capital.

Keywords: third sector; social impact assessment; mixed methods; networking; community building; skills volunteering

Irene Psaroudakis, Gabriele Tomei, Comunicare il valore con competenza. Perché il Terzo Settore dovrebbe acquisire competenze metodologiche nel campo della valutazione (non solamente) dell’impatto sociale in "RIV Rassegna Italiana di Valutazione" 94/2026, pp 11-36, DOI: 10.3280/Riv2026oa22391