Benefits of using logical framework approach in the social development sector

Abstract

In India with wide spread inequality and contrasting realities, work in the field of social development is a focus area for stakeholders that include government, donors, social activists and social organizations, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs), socially responsible private organizations and international development organizations. According to a recent article in Wall Street Journal, since the year 2000 a few segments that have attracted large foreign investments in the social sector include those for underprivileged education, healthcare for the poor, microfinance, financial inclusion, development of social entrepreneurship etc. The new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Bill to reserve 2% profits of public enterprises towards CSR activities is expected to further fuel the growth of the social sector in India. A pertinent question is: what do social development activities achieve? Can we measure performance outcome of social development work effectively? Does the CSR framework have broader implications for the private sector?