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SeCtion tWo Change approaches & management tools
participants are always aware of what is happening and why. There is some concern that the linear logic of ‘cause and effect’ may be too simple to capture the recursive nature of causation within complex social systems; however, this may be offset to an extent by feedback cycles to inform ongoing changes to implementation (as in action research).
In relation to social care, the explicitly participatory planning phase of Theories of Change is helpful in involving a wide range of partners in reaching agreement over anticipated outcomes, discussing what changes will lead to these outcomes, and planning the stages required to implement these changes.
Further reading
1. Weiss C (1995) Nothing as practical as good theory: exploring theory-based evaluation for comprehensive community initiatives for children and families. In: Connell J, Kubisch A, Schorr L and Weiss C (eds) New Approaches to Evaluating Community Initiatives, Washington, DC: Aspen Institute.
2. Chris C et al (2011) A systematic review of theory-driven evaluation practice from 1990 to 2009. American Journal of Evaluation, 32, 2, 199–226.
3. Stein D and Valters C (2012) Understanding Theory of Change in International Development. London: The Justice and Security Research Programme, London School of Economics.
4. Organizational Research Services (2004) Theory of Change: A Practical Tool For Action, Results and Learning Prepared for the Annie Casey Foundation. Available at: www.aecf.org/upload/publicationfiles/cc2977k440.pdf.
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