# WIA-CORE-005 PHASE 1: Foundation and Core Concepts

**Standard:** WIA-CORE-005  
**Title:** Hongik Impact Metric - 弘益人間  
**Phase:** 1 - Foundation  
**Version:** 1.0  
**Status:** Active  
**Last Updated:** 2025-01-15  

---

## 1. Introduction

### 1.1 Purpose

PHASE 1 establishes the foundational concepts, philosophy, and core framework of the Hongik Impact Metric (HIS). This phase defines what it means to measure impact through the lens of 弘益人間 (Benefit All Humanity) and establishes the baseline requirements for all subsequent phases.

### 1.2 Scope

This phase covers:
- The philosophical foundation of 弘益人間
- The seven dimensions of impact
- Basic measurement principles
- Minimum viable assessment criteria
- Bronze and Silver certification requirements

### 1.3 Audience

- Organizations new to impact measurement
- Small nonprofits and community organizations
- Startups establishing impact frameworks
- Educational institutions teaching impact assessment
- Policy makers exploring impact-based evaluation

---

## 2. Philosophical Foundation

### 2.1 The Principle of 弘益人間

弘益人間 (Hongik Ingan) translates to "broadly benefit all humanity" or "benefit all mankind." Originating over 5,000 years ago in ancient Korea, this principle asks a fundamental question of every action:

**"Does this benefit all of humanity?"**

This is not:
- Utilitarian maximization of aggregate benefit
- Zero-sum thinking where some must lose for others to gain
- Short-term optimization at the expense of future generations
- Anthropocentric disregard for planetary systems
- Cultural imperialism imposing one vision of "benefit"

This is:
- Holistic consideration of human flourishing across dimensions
- Long-term orientation spanning generations
- Recognition of interdependence between human and planetary health
- Cultural humility and contextual sensitivity
- Genuine commitment to universal benefit, not just benefit to some

### 2.2 Core Principles

The Hongik Impact Metric operates on five core principles:

#### 2.2.1 Universality with Contextual Sensitivity
The framework applies universally while respecting local context. The seven dimensions are universal; their relative importance and specific metrics may vary.

#### 2.2.2 Stakeholder Centricity
Those most affected by work—beneficiaries, workers, communities—have the most important perspective. Their voices must be central to assessment.

#### 2.2.3 Long-Term Orientation
True impact reveals itself over time. Short-term gains that create long-term problems receive lower scores than sustainable, lasting positive change.

#### 2.2.4 Continuous Improvement
Measurement serves learning and improvement, not judgment. The goal is enhanced benefit to humanity over time, not achieving a particular score.

#### 2.2.5 Rigorous Pragmatism
Balance scientific rigor with practical applicability. Perfection is impossible; sufficiently accurate measurement to guide better decisions is the goal.

---

## 3. The Seven Dimensions

### 3.1 Dimension 1: Social Good ❤️

**Definition:** The strength and quality of human connections, community resilience, and social inclusion created by the work.

**Core Question:** Does this strengthen communities and foster genuine human connection?

**Key Metrics:**
- Community Strength Index (CSI): 0-100, weighted 30%
- Inclusion Score: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Social Capital Generated: 0-100, weighted 35%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- Number of people directly engaged
- Demographic diversity of participants
- Retention/sustained engagement rates
- Qualitative evidence of community strengthening
- Stakeholder feedback on social connections (minimum 25 responses)

### 3.2 Dimension 2: Accessibility ♿

**Definition:** The removal of barriers and creation of universal access regardless of ability, language, geography, or economic status.

**Core Question:** Can everyone benefit from this, regardless of their circumstances?

**Key Metrics:**
- Universal Design Score: 0-100, weighted 40%
- Linguistic Accessibility: 0-100, weighted 30%
- Economic Accessibility: 0-100, weighted 30%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- WCAG compliance level (automated testing acceptable)
- Number of languages supported
- Pricing structure and free/subsidized access
- Geographic reach and distribution
- Qualitative evidence of barrier removal

### 3.3 Dimension 3: Sustainability 🌍

**Definition:** Environmental impact, resource efficiency, and long-term ecological viability.

**Core Question:** Does this protect our planet for future generations?

**Key Metrics:**
- Carbon Footprint Analysis: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Circular Economy Practices: 0-100, weighted 30%
- Ecosystem Impact: 0-100, weighted 35%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- Carbon footprint estimate (Scope 1 and 2 minimum)
- Waste and recycling data
- Energy consumption and renewable percentage
- Qualitative sustainability practices documentation

### 3.4 Dimension 4: Health & Wellbeing 🏥

**Definition:** Physical health, mental wellness, and emotional balance supported by the work.

**Core Question:** Does this nurture holistic human wellbeing?

**Key Metrics:**
- Physical Health Impact: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Mental & Emotional Wellness: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Holistic Wellbeing: 0-100, weighted 30%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- Health outcomes or health service delivery data
- Mental health support provided
- Wellbeing indicators (stress, work-life balance, etc.)
- Stakeholder feedback on wellbeing impact

### 3.5 Dimension 5: Economic Equity 💰

**Definition:** Fair distribution of resources, opportunities, and economic benefits.

**Core Question:** Does this reduce inequality and ensure economic systems serve humanity?

**Key Metrics:**
- Wealth Distribution Impact: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Opportunity Creation: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Fair Practices: 0-100, weighted 30%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- Wage ratios (highest to lowest compensation)
- Jobs created and their quality
- Benefits provided to workers
- Economic impact on underserved communities
- Supply chain labor practices (where applicable)

### 3.6 Dimension 6: Education 📚

**Definition:** Knowledge sharing, skill development, and capacity building.

**Core Question:** Does this empower people through education?

**Key Metrics:**
- Learning Quality: 0-100, weighted 40%
- Educational Reach: 0-100, weighted 30%
- Skill Transferability: 0-100, weighted 30%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- Number of people educated/trained
- Learning outcomes data
- Skill acquisition evidence
- Educational content quality assessment
- Long-term impact on learners (qualitative acceptable)

### 3.7 Dimension 7: Innovation 💡

**Definition:** Creative problem-solving, breakthrough thinking, and novel approaches to human challenges.

**Core Question:** Does this advance humanity through innovation?

**Key Metrics:**
- Novelty & Originality: 0-100, weighted 30%
- Scalability & Replicability: 0-100, weighted 35%
- Problem-Solution Fit: 0-100, weighted 35%

**Minimum Data Requirements (Bronze/Silver):**
- Description of innovative approach
- Evidence of novelty (literature review, patent search, etc.)
- Scalability potential assessment
- Adoption by others (if applicable)
- Problem-solution fit analysis

---

## 4. Measurement Methodology

### 4.1 The HIS Calculation

The Hongik Impact Score (HIS) is calculated using the following formula:

```
HIS = (Σ (Dimension Score × Weight)) × Scale Factor × Context Multiplier
```

Where:
- **Dimension Score:** 0-100 for each of seven dimensions
- **Weight:** Standard weights (Social Good 15%, Accessibility 14%, Sustainability 16%, Health 15%, Economic Equity 14%, Education 14%, Innovation 12%)
- **Scale Factor:** 1.43 (converts 0-100 to 0-1000+ scale)
- **Context Multiplier:** 1.0-1.35 based on operational context

### 4.2 Data Collection Methods

#### 4.2.1 Quantitative Data
Organizations submit verifiable quantitative metrics:
- People served/reached
- Resources distributed
- Carbon footprint data
- Accessibility compliance results
- Economic indicators
- Education outcomes
- Health metrics

**Verification Requirements:**
- Bronze: Self-reported (good faith)
- Silver: Key metrics third-party verified

#### 4.2.2 Qualitative Assessment
Trained assessors evaluate through:
- Document review
- Interviews (limited for Bronze, more extensive for Silver)
- Process evaluation
- Case study analysis

#### 4.2.3 Stakeholder Feedback
- Bronze: Minimum 25 responses or 10% of users (whichever is smaller)
- Silver: Minimum 100 responses or 20% of users (whichever is smaller)

Methods:
- Surveys (multiple languages, accessible formats)
- Interviews (subset)
- Community consultation
- Worker/staff input

### 4.3 Temporal Considerations

**Required Historical Data:**
- Bronze: Minimum 1 year of operations
- Silver: Minimum 2 years of operations

**Assessment Focus:**
- 60% weight on lagging indicators (outcomes achieved)
- 40% weight on leading indicators (processes likely to produce future impact)

---

## 5. Certification Requirements

### 5.1 Bronze Certification (HIS 100-299)

**Purpose:** Foundational commitment to impact measurement

**Requirements:**
- Minimum 1 year operational history
- Complete self-assessment
- Basic data across all seven dimensions
- Self-reported metrics (verification not required)
- Minimum stakeholder feedback (25+ responses or 10% of users)
- HIS score 100-299

**Assessment Process:**
- Document review (2-3 weeks)
- Single assessor
- No site visit required
- Clarification questions as needed

**Cost:** $500-$5,000 (based on organization size)

**Validity:** 1 year; annual renewal required

**Benefits:**
- Digital certification badge
- Basic impact report
- WIA community access
- Learning resources

### 5.2 Silver Certification (HIS 300-499)

**Purpose:** Established impact practices with clear improvement trajectory

**Requirements:**
- Minimum 2 years operational history
- Comprehensive data across all dimensions
- Third-party verification for key metrics (carbon, wages, major outcomes)
- Robust stakeholder feedback (100+ responses or 20% of users)
- Demonstrated improvement from previous assessment (if applicable)
- HIS score 300-499

**Assessment Process:**
- Comprehensive document review (3-4 weeks)
- Stakeholder interviews (10+ conducted by WIA)
- Optional site visit (if organization requests)
- Dual assessor review with consensus requirement

**Cost:** $1,000-$10,000 (based on organization size)

**Validity:** 1 year; annual renewal required

**Benefits:**
- All Bronze benefits, plus:
- Detailed improvement roadmap
- Benchmarking data
- Case study consideration
- Enhanced WIA community participation

---

## 6. Implementation Guidance

### 6.1 Getting Started

**Step 1: Self-Assessment (Week 1-2)**
- Use free WIA self-assessment tool
- Identify existing data
- Recognize gaps
- Estimate preliminary HIS

**Step 2: Data Collection (Week 3-6)**
- Gather quantitative metrics
- Collect qualitative evidence
- Conduct stakeholder surveys
- Document practices and processes

**Step 3: Application (Week 7-8)**
- Complete online application
- Upload documentation
- Submit stakeholder feedback summary
- Pay assessment fee

**Step 4: Assessment (Week 9-12)**
- WIA conducts review
- Respond to clarification requests
- Participate in interviews (if applicable)
- Receive preliminary findings

**Step 5: Results & Next Steps (Week 13+)**
- Receive comprehensive impact report
- Understand certification decision
- Plan improvements
- Display certification (if achieved)

### 6.2 Common Challenges and Solutions

| Challenge | Solution |
|-----------|----------|
| Limited historical data | Start tracking now; use current snapshot plus 6-month forward projection |
| Small team overwhelmed | Focus on most impactful metrics; use existing reports; engage volunteers |
| Stakeholder survey fatigue | Keep brief; explain value; offer incentives; integrate with existing feedback |
| Uncertainty about scoring | Use WIA calculators; attend workshops; consult with advisors |

---

## 7. Transition to PHASE 2

Organizations achieving Bronze or Silver certification and seeking higher levels should review PHASE 2 requirements, which introduce:
- More rigorous verification standards
- Longitudinal data requirements
- Site visit assessments
- Expert panel reviews
- Higher stakeholder engagement thresholds

PHASE 2 covers Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certification levels.

---

## 8. Appendices

### Appendix A: Glossary

**Beneficiary:** Person or community directly served by organization's work

**Context Multiplier:** Adjustment factor accounting for operational challenges

**Dimension Score:** 0-100 assessment of performance in one of seven impact areas

**HIS:** Hongik Impact Score, 0-1000+ composite metric

**Lagging Indicator:** Metric measuring outcomes already achieved

**Leading Indicator:** Metric measuring processes likely to produce future outcomes

**Stakeholder:** Anyone affected by organization's work (beneficiaries, workers, community members, partners, etc.)

### Appendix B: Example Calculation

**Organization:** Community Health Cooperative

**Dimension Scores:**
- Social Good: 85/100
- Accessibility: 78/100
- Sustainability: 64/100
- Health & Wellbeing: 96/100
- Economic Equity: 76/100
- Education: 91/100
- Innovation: 72/100

**Weighted Sum:**
(85 × 0.15) + (78 × 0.14) + (64 × 0.16) + (96 × 0.15) + (76 × 0.14) + (91 × 0.14) + (72 × 0.12) = 80.82

**HIS (with scale factor 1.43):**
80.82 × 1.43 = 115.57 → **567/1000**

**Certification Level:** Gold (500-699 range)

### Appendix C: References

1. UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2. GRI Standards (Global Reporting Initiative)
3. B Corp Impact Assessment
4. IRIS+ Impact Measurement System
5. Social Return on Investment (SROI) Framework
6. Theory of Change methodology
7. WCAG 2.1 Guidelines
8. GHG Protocol for carbon accounting

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**End of PHASE 1 Specification**

© 2025 SmileStory Inc. / WIA  
弘益人間 · Benefit All Humanity