Impact

Impact is a term used to describe the effect or influence of one thing on another. In physics, impact refers to a collision in which a moving body exerts force on a second body, often causing deformation or damage. More generally, impact denotes the outcomes or significance of an action, event, or policy, regardless of whether a physical force is involved. The word derives from the Latin impactus, meaning "a striking."

Different domains describe various forms of impact. Physical impact is the forceful contact between objects. Social and economic impacts refer to changes in people’s well-being, incomes, or opportunities. Environmental impact encompasses effects on ecosystems, land, water, and air. Cultural and technological impacts describe changes in practices, ideas, or devices as a result of new influences or innovations. Assessing impact often requires specifying the domain and outcomes of interest.

Impact assessment is a systematic process used to predict, monitor, and evaluate the effects of a proposed action or program. Common methods include qualitative judgments, quantified indicators, and counterfactual analysis. Limitations include attribution difficulties, time lags, and the challenge of isolating effects from other factors. In research, the term impact is also used in metrics such as journal impact factors, with criticisms about validity and context.

Applications of impact analysis span government planning, corporate strategy, environmental policy, humanitarian work, and scientific research. Clear definitions of intended outcomes and transparent methodologies improve the usefulness of impact information for decision-making. Conversely, unclear goals or biased data can distort assessments and obscure important consequences.