Evaluation Roundup - January 2021

February 16, 2021 Kristy Madsen

Welcome to our monthly roundup of new and noteworthy evaluation news and resources – here is the latest.

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New and Noteworthy — Resources

What is a theory of change?

Stanford's Social Innovation Review (SSIR) published an article in its fall 2020 magazine titled "Unpacking the Theory of Change." In this article, Maoz Brown unpacks and organizes into a framework the various meanings to the term "theory of change" and its various objectives. As Brown explains, we would all love one clear and consistent explanation for how ToCs are to be used; however, the article "aims for a more realistic goal" of how to think about and express ToCs differently.

If you're looking for a quick, light-hearted review of ToCs then check out Chris Lysy's (@evalcentral) "What is a Theory of Change? Cartoon Glossary.

Systems change – the "do nots"

This recent article by SSIR explores the history of "systems enthusiasm" and how to continue to progress systems thinking. The authors explain there is no consensus on what is working from a "genuine systems perspective." However, they offer a "thou shalt not" list that compares the principles and characteristics of a systems approach to a traditional approach (i.e., the though shalt nots) as a means for informing how to advance change.

Evaluating organizational change efforts

The Centre for Evaluation Innovation (CEI) recently released a brief that describes an evaluative approach it took to an organizational change process at the Fetzer Institute. CEI describes the "hybrid participatory case study" approach they took, what that means, why they chose this approach, the steps for this approach, the outcomes of this work, and CEI's reflections on this approach. If you are supporting organizations as they embark on organizational culture change efforts then definitely check out this resource!