Abstract

In an effort to develop a unified perspective of the term social value, this paper argues that it should be viewed through the lens of the capability approach. A sample of 34 empirical research articles that apply the capability approach are examined to increase understanding about how it may be applied to measure social value. Findings reveal that the capability approach is commonly used in empirical research for: human well-being assessment; core needs identification; and measurement of capability dispersion. This paper argues that the capability approach is particularly appropriate for measuring capability dispersion, which most relates to social value creation.