New Directions in Social Impact Assessment : Conceptual and Methodological Advances

Building on its predecessor, The International Handbook of Social Impact Assessment, this important new book outlines current developments in thinking in the field of Social Impact Assessment (SIA). It introduces and advances the theory and practice of SIA, and illustrates that a generational shift in the way socioeconomic studies and community participation is undertaken is required. The expert contributors leading SIA practitioners make recommendations for future improvement, taking an integrated approach to impact assessment and focusing on the goals of development rather than on 'protection from harm'. The book emphasizes that the focus of SIA should shift towards managing social issues associated with planned interventions; taking a holistic and integrated approach to impact assessment; and stressing that greater attention needs to be given to ensuring that the goals of development are attained and enhanced. It shows that in this current understanding, SIA is now much more than the act of predicting impacts in a regulatory context it is the process of managing the social aspects of development. This significant addition to the literature will prove an invaluable reference tool for academics, researchers and students, as well as consultants and practitioners, with an interest in SIA.