an online book by David Gurteen
A theory of change (ToC) is an explicit theory of how and why it is thought that a social policy or program activities lead to outcomes and impacts. ToCs are used in the design of programs and program evaluation, across a range of policy areas.
Theories of change can be developed at any stage of a program, depending on the intended use. A theory of change developed at the outset is best at informing the planning of an initiative. Having worked out a change model, practitioners can make more informed decisions about strategy and tactics. As monitoring and evaluation data become available, stakeholders can periodically refine the theory of change as the evidence indicates. A theory of change can be developed retrospectively by reading program documents, talking to stakeholders, and analyzing data. This is often done during evaluations reflecting what has worked or not in order to understand the past and plan for the future.
Credit: Wikipedia - theory_of_changeI have long argued, and repeated ad nauseam that in complexity we start journeys with a sense of direction we don’t try and achieve goals. We remain open to the evolutionary opportunities of the here and now, the present and the adjacent future states. Credit: Dave Snowden Source: On craft in strategy by Dave SnowdenPosts … Continue reading In Complexity We Start Journeys with a Sense of Direction Dave Snowden
Gurteen Knowledge Blog March 23, 2024, 10:29Change is constant and unpredictable in our complex world. Traditional linear approaches to managing change often fail to deliver results, leaving us struggling to adapt. The Vector Theory of Change, developed by Dave Snowden and described in my blook post “Navigating Change in a Complex World,” offers a solution. This … Continue reading Charting a New Course Dave Snowden’s Vector Theory of Change
Introduction: Strategic Conversations Strategic Conversations Close Pop-up all posts in this chapter What is meant by strategy and how do you develop a strategy in a complex world? Introduction I write elsewhere about open-adaptive strategy. Open Strategy is an approach to strategic planning where employees are given the opportunity to participate in the formulation and implementation … Continue reading Strategy ** Strategy is much more than a plan
