Implementing impact accounting
: measurement and monetization of a firm’s impact using the example of the gender pay gap

  • Franziska Rieger (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

In a world driven by capitalism and rising social and environmental challenges, innovative ideas are needed to solve these issues. Many business systems were developed in and for a time when today’s challenges did not exist. This also applies to the current accounting systems which disregard the non-financial impact of a firm. The purpose of this study is to develop a framework for how the new concept of impact accounting can be implemented in a firm. Thereby the focus is put on defining, measuring, and monetizing the impact of the gender pay gap. To answer these questions this study applies a mixed-method approach, combining a literature review, expert interviews, and a case study with the firm Sonae. The results highlight the different methods and challenges of defining and measuring social impact, in specific the gender pay gap. Furthermore, the study shows that there is still a pay disparity, adversely affecting various areas. In addition, it is essential for the implementation of impact accounting to define specific metrics for the measurement of an impact, particularly in the context of the gender pay gap. Moreover, the monetization of the impact should be approached from various viewpoints. This paper contributes to the research in the field of impact accounting, specifically focusing on the measurement of the impact of the gender pay gap within a firm.
Date of Award30 Jan 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorNuno Moreira da Cruz (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Impact accounting
  • Gender pay gap
  • Impact measurement
  • Impact monetization
  • Gender equality

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão e Administração de Empresas

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