Decision Making Framework for Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs)

Along with the growing attention by the government to promote the development of work integration social enterprises (WISEs), a valid evaluation framework for informing policy choice and monitoring policy outcome are in need. The evaluation framework should take into consideration of the existing varieties in the operation models, given that the WISE establishments differ in accordance with the characteristics of the engaging people and market niche. This paper proposes using Program Logic Model (PLM) for making major decisions in planning and evaluating the operation of WISEs. Considering the social and economic goals of WISEs, the paper argues for the needs to assess the “returns” of in both social and economic dimensions in the outcome measurement. In reviewing the social dimensions of outcomes, it is proposed to adopt the Quality of Life framework for measuring the effectiveness of WISEs in helping improving the quality of life of the target groups.