Designing a Theory of Change
A theory of change is an invaluable tool for setting up a logical plan of action for your initiatives, as well as for identifying the types of outcomes that you want to explore in your MEL. Theories of change track the types of outcomes that a program intends to achieve for different actors and helps to identify assumptions implicit in how these outcomes are expected to be achieved.
Related Approaches
Theory-based Most Significant Change
Learning Diaries
Photovoice
A theory of change (ToC) is an explanation of the changes that your organisation or a particular project wants to make in the world, and the logical steps to get there. It is also a way of clearly identifying any assumptions that are made related to how change happens.
Step 1. Convene a group to co-create your theory of change (ToC)
The first step in developing a Theory of Change (ToC) involves gathering a broad range of stakeholders (ideally beyond your organisation) to inform and contribute to the process. Often, a ToC is built within the organisation and with a range of staff (program, management, MEL, field).
A ToC is an explanation of the changes that your organisation (or a project) wants to make in the world, and the logical steps to get there. It is a way of clearly identifying any assumptions that are made related to how change happens. For example, assuming a person will act in a certain way in response to your influence, or that a community will take up an initiative. The following diagram outlines the key components of a Theory of Change.
Step 2. Consider all the elements in the ToC and ensure that outputs and outcomes are not mixed up
Does your organisation have a good understanding and definition of the difference between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts? Some examples are provided in the PowerPoint presentation below.
Step 3. Use your ToC to inform monitoring, evaluation, learning plans and indicators
Your MEL should be logically connected to your ToC, in that you are monitoring and evaluating the activities and changes that your organisation makes, testing assumptions about how that process will happen, and the possible impacts these have on the world and for the stakeholders you aim to influence.
Step 4. Display your theory of change prominently, and keep it alive.
Displaying your ToC on a wall that is regularly viewed is a good way to keep your ToC alive, and to observe the changes that may have been made due to changed circumstances, and/or your assumptions being seen in a different light. Regularly return to and test your ToC to ensure that the activities and outputs you have identified as priorities are still likely to lead to the changes you intend to make.
Travel Restricted Times
While Theories of Change are best designed in person, they can also be completed using participatory methods and online tools. However, for best results, this should be done with internet access and computers.
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Computer and internet access |
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See an example of participatory activities using Google Slide.
Learn more on the digital tools page.
Resources
Theory of Change Workshop Presentation
This workshop slidedeck is designed to help teams design and interrogate Theories of Change.
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Photovoice
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