• Corpus ID: 65088784

Refining Theories of Change

@article{Dhillon2018RefiningTO,
  title={Refining Theories of Change},
  author={Lovely Dhillon and Sara Vaca},
  journal={Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation},
  year={2018},
  volume={14},
  pages={64-87}
}

• Lovely Dhillon, Sara Vaca
• Published 13 April 2018
• Economics
• Journal of Multidisciplinary Evaluation

Background: Despite the disparities in how they are defined and what elements are included, most Theories of Change remain consistent in one way – their visual format. Typically, Theories of Change are presented as a one-page visual in a flowchart style with lines and boxes of uniform size. In addition, Theories of Change are often created as stand-alone tools that are rarely linked effectively to other organizational tools.
Purpose: The authors: (1) propose the essential elements that contribute to robust Theories of Change and clarify the characteristics that distinguish Theories of Change from other organizational tools and formats; (2) suggest additional elements for inclusion in the Theory of Change; (3) present graphic alternatives that allow for an evolution in representing their complexity and depth; and (4) provide ways to link Theories of Change to other organizational tools to increase organizational alignment, efficiency, and, most importantly, impact.

Research Design: NA
Data Collection and Analysis: NA
Setting: NA
Intervention: NA
Findings: NA

Keywords: theories of change, logic models, evaluation, causal strands, mechanisms, assumptions, hypothesis, data visualization, organizational tools, innovation.