Home > Development Management > Defining and Conceptualizing Impact Investing: Attractive Nuisance or Catalyst?

Defining and Conceptualizing Impact Investing: Attractive Nuisance or Catalyst?

1 January 2022
Academic / Journal Article
Publisher : Journal of Business Ethics

16651

This article delves into the definitions and conceptualisations of impact investing, exploring whether it functions as an “attractive nuisance” (a misleading concept) or a true catalyst for social change. It critically examines the role of measurement and intentionality in distinguishing genuine impact investments from conventional finance. The authors contribute to the ongoing debate by clarifying the core tenets of impact investing and its potential to drive both financial and social returns, highlighting the challenges in consistently demonstrating and measuring impact.

Author(s) :

Kai Hockerts et al.

Yes

Get in touch with authors

No ratings yet

Rate your experience

Key topics

Innovative Finance/ Blended Finance

Also found in

Scaling Social Impact

Share

Join Our Newsletter

Explore More Articles

1 April 2025

Ask, and they receive

FarmerChat, an AI assistant, is helping farmers across India and abroad get quick, relevant answers to questions about better farming practices, loans, market prices, subsidies, and much more. The result? Improved agricultural productivity Kothapalli Jyothi (32) has hitched up her bright green-and-pink saree, and is plucking onions, brinjals, tomatoes and radishes as she walks nimbly through rows of vegetable crops. Behind her is a sea of fiery red chillies, glistening sharply in the afternoon sun. This healthy produce, and bountiful…

The New Education Philanthropy: Politics, Policy and Reform

This book explores the evolving landscape of education philanthropy, focusing on the interplay of politics, policy, and reform efforts. It examines how new philanthropic initiatives are influencing educational systems, curriculum development, and school reform strategies. The authors analyze the motivations, approaches, and impacts of these philanthropic interventions, often highlighting tensions between private funding and public education goals. The book provides a critical perspective on the opportunities and challenges presented by the increasing role of private philanthropy in shaping educational policy and outcomes.

4 September 2025

FinMin may favour CSR monies to flow into Social Impact Bonds

This article from Hindu Business Line reports on the potential inclination of India’s Finance Ministry to allow Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to be directed towards Social Impact Bonds (SIBs). The move could significantly boost funding for social development projects by leveraging private sector contributions. It discusses the implications of such a policy for governance and the broader landscape of development impact bonds in India, highlighting how this synergy could enhance social outcomes and financial innovation.

Development Impact Bonds support quality education in India

This case study from the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation highlights how Development Impact Bonds (DIBs) are being utilized to support quality education initiatives in India. It showcases how these innovative financing tools incentivize outcome-driven results, aligning private investment with sustainable development goals in the education sector. The study illustrates the DIB mechanism’s potential to improve learning outcomes and increase access to quality education for underserved populations by focusing on measurable impact.