Social Impact Assessment tools and methods
Analytical tools
Stakeholder Analysis is an entry point to SIA and participatory work. It addresses strategic questions, e.g.
who are the key stakeholders? what are their interests in the project or policy? what are the power
differentials between them? what relative influence do they have on the operation? This information
helps to identify institutions and relations which, if ignored, can have negative influence on proposals
or, if considered, can be built upon to strengthen them.
Gender Analysis focuses on understanding and documenting the differences in gender roles, activities,
needs and opportunities in a given context. It highlights the different roles and behaviour of men and
women. These attributes vary across cultures, class, ethnicity, income, education, and time; and so
gender analysis does not treat women as a homogeneous group.
Secondary Data Review of information from previously conducted work is an inexpensive, easy way to
narrow the focus of a social assessment, to identify experts and institutions that are familiar with the
development context, and to establish a relevant framework and key social variables in advance.