Empathy is an important social skill that can help change policies and organizations. A study by Ashoka found that social entrepreneurs who were elected as Ashoka Fellows on average directly served 88% of people over two years and had high rates of impact, with 76% changing national policy and 55% having their ideas copied by other independent organizations.

1. Ashoka: Innovators for the Public 1700 N Moore St, Arlington, VA 22209 www.ashoka.org The importance of empathy as social skill October 22, 2011

5. ©Sylvain Piraux

6. THE DISCIPLINED USE OF JUDGMENT WORKS : Source: Ashoka’s “Measuring Effectiveness” studies. (Average results over two years) Average number of people Fellows serve directly: 97% 88% 55% Quality Indicators Five Years After Ashoka Elections Percentage of Fellows Changed national policy Still with project Idea copied by independent organizations 174,000 76% Changed pattern in their field nationally ASHOKA