Social Science Assignment 2022

Social Science 1
Social science
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Social Science 2
Good practice in Social Impact assessment (SIA)
Introduction
Social impact assessment (SIA) is the process of analysis, monitoring and managing
the results of social planned interventions. These interventions may include projects,
developmental programs and plans, as well as policies (Vanclay, Esteves, Aucamp, and
Franks, 2015). The process entails managing both the intended and unintended results of
these interventions, which can either be positive or negative. The long-term goal of social
impact assessments is to bring about an environment that is suitable for ecological well-
being, economic growth and social-cultural development (Esteves, Factor, Vanclay,
Götzmann and Moreira, 2017). Social impact assessments therefore result to developed and
empowered communities, capacity building and enlargement of social networks. Social
impact assessment is used in several institutional settings, and is a wide subject of research in
teaching institutions such as universities and colleges (Jones, McGinlay and Dimitrakopoulo,
2017). Social research methods are used in SIA. In other words, SIA is mainly an assessment
with people or about people. This explains why professional ethical practices are vital in
social impact assessments. In general, social impact assessment brings about cross-cultural
interactions in issues relating to project development, whereby negotiation is required to
address misunderstanding between members of the local communities, project owners and
countries.
Ethical recommendations in social impact assessments have received minimal
attention. Vast interest has been placed on outcomes from negotiation with project owners,
such as financial gain and employment (Vanclay, Baines, and Taylor, 2013).Where SIA is
suggested but not required; people in other professions make the decision to use it. These
people may be law makers, project managers or even policy formulators. This raises an
ethical concern, since these people have very minimal understanding of SIA, and the ethical

Social Science 3
considerations that should be put in place (Baines, Taylor and Vanclay, 2013). They may not
be in favour of conducting SIA as they do not comprehend its need at all. The ethical
practices of other professions such as lawyers and medical doctors have always had
undeniable public interest. This is especially true, if the professional misconduct of these
people is reported in the media. However, SIA has not had this public interest due to its
limited popularity in the public. In the near future however, SIA will gain public interest due
to its increased use as a legal requirement in environmental policy and planning, its impact
assessment reports being used in court and its practitioners appearing in hearings as witnesses
after assessment and examination.
In Australia, negotiations on social impact assessments about the resource industry
and developments have been taking place. SIA falls as a legal requirement, hence a move to
protect the environment and communities have deemed necessary. However, impact
assessments are loaded with challenges due to communication issues in cross-cultural
negotiations (Carley and Bustelo, 2019). These issues range from language barriers to
attitudes against SIA practice due to little knowledge on impact assessments. These issues
should be dealt with urgently to ensure impact assessments are conducted with ease all over
the country and the globe at large.
Ethical principles in social impact assessment.
There are several ethical principles that should be considered when conducting impact
assessments. These include: withdrawal right, the capacity to participate voluntarily, utmost
respect towards participants, full and clear disclosure of sources where funding comes from,
an informed consent, taking measures not to harm the participants in any way during the
assessment, using no deception, seeking permission for video or audio recording, not
disclosing the identity of participants, not disclosing personal matters of the participants,