Building a system-based Theory of Change using Participatory Systems Mapping

• Published in: Evaluation (London, England. 1995) Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 80 - 101
• Main Authors: Wilkinson, Helen, Hills, Dione, Penn, Alexandra, Barbrook-Johnson, Pete
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2021
• Subjects: evaluation; complexity; Theory of Change; systems mapping
• ISSN: 1356-3890; 1461-7153
• DOI: 10.1177/1356389020980493

Theory of Change diagrams are commonly used within evaluation. Due to their popularity and flexibility, Theories of Change can vary greatly, from the nuanced and nested, through to simplified and linear. We present a methodology for building genuinely holistic, complexity-appropriate, system-based Theory of Change diagrams, using Participatory Systems Mapping as a starting point. Participatory System Maps provide a general-purpose resource that can be used in many ways; however, knowing how to turn their complex view of a system into something actionable for evaluation purposes is difficult. The methodology outlined in this article gives this starting point and plots a path through from systems mapping to a Theory of Change evaluators can use. It allows evaluators to develop practical Theories of Change that take into account feedbacks, wider context and potential negative or unexpected outcomes. We use the example of the energy trilemma map presented elsewhere in this special issue to demonstrate.