Abstract: This paper presents a conceptual and methodological framework for social impact optimization. With a qualitative approach based on interviews with social impact leaders from the private, public and non-profit sectors, accompanied by some focus groups conducted to stakeholder groups associated to the best practices, a framework emerges for better social decision-making. Social impact has to do with changes in quality of life from the perspective of beneficiaries. Social impact optimization means knowing the context under which the organization produces the best impact; crossing competitive advantages, comparative advantages with the most unattended needs; and collaboration. For social decision-making some key aspects need to be balanced: quantity with quality; resources with quality and time; corporate purpose alignment with personal purposes; profitability, risks and impact; and objectivity with empathy.

Key words: social impact, optimization, social decision-making

JEL codes: A13, D81