SocioGrade interpretation framework

For the evaluation, (semi-)quantitative interpretation frameworks like PROSA should only be used if required by the special situation (multiple products, multiple indicators, etc.). All the original data and discrete stages of evaluation should – like SocioGrade – be transparent and retraceable if necessary. The goal of the evaluation and of SocioGrade is not to arrive at an absolute evaluation of particular products, but to derive possible measures for improving social problems.

SocioGrade is an Excel tool with the following elements (see Figure)

• Within the four groups – employees, local communities, society, and users – indicators can be freely chosen. As an aid to data entry, a click-down list of suggested indicators is provided. The recommended number of indicators to be dealt with is no more than ten.
• Optimization measures for each of the analysed indicators should be entered in free form.
• Using a click-down menu, a quantitative evaluation can be undertaken. Values can be selected from a range of 1 (high - social situation very good) to 10 (low - social situation very poor).
• The Excel tool calculates a numerical “overall evaluation”, for which all indicators are preset by default to a 1:1 weighting. The weightings can be adjusted by users, however.

To assist with prioritization, in addition to the list of indicators PROSA provides a decision matrix  which is used to evaluate data availability and time requirements for data collection. Prioritization should be carried out by the strategy team and in cooperation with stakeholders if possible.

Care must be taken to clearly define the individual indicators for data analysis purposes. On the child labour indicator, for example, ILO Conventions nos. 138 and 182 contain minimum age requirements, the details of which vary according to the context and type of work: 15 years of age is standard, with 13 years for easy work; in underdeveloped countries, 14 and 12 years of age respectively; 18 years of age for hazardous or particularly strenuous work, but 16 years where strict occupational health and safety standards are applied!