Assessing the Outcome Effectiveness of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives in the Field of Corporate Social Responsibility – The Example of the United Nations Global Compact

Abstract

Abstract This article proposes a new approach to the assessment of outcome effects of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility. Based on the conceptual distinction between output, outcome, and impact effectiveness, we develop a set of indicators that allows the differentiated assessment of outcome effects related to Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives. Furthermore, we apply this set of indicators in an empirical assessment of the UN Global Compact. Our empirical study utilizes a quantitative survey completed by members of the UN Global Compact Network Germany as well as qualitative interviews. Our results show a differentiated picture of the outcome effectiveness of the UN Global Compact, highlighting a paradoxical combination of strong outcomes on strategic management levels together with significantly weaker enforcement outcomes, such as employee trainings or measurement of goal attainment.