5 - Reporting, Impact Measurement, and Certification

Summary

This chapter assesses the mechanisms of reporting, impact measurement, and certification. I first examine the actual reporting practices of the social enterprises in common law Asia, and then analyze the reporting requirements of the public benefit corporations, social purpose corporations, and community interest companies. Next, I examine whether social enterprises in common law Asia have disclosed impact and I explain why so few of them have done so, and I analyze whether social enterprises should be required or incentivized to do so. Subsequently, I propose a three-step framework to guide social enterprises on impact measurement. Finally, I critically assess three types of certification regime in the US, Hong Kong, and Malaysia.