Theory of Change and Organisational Strategies

How and Why is a Theory of Change Useful?

A Theory of Change (ToC) supports organisations to clearly visualise a vision and strategy, to show how they plan to make change happen. They strengthen program design, align stakeholder perspectives, and identify underlying assumptions. Well designed ToC diagrams with engaging narratives are a excellent way to communicate this vision with both internal teams, and external audiences. It is a flexible tool that is adapted and re-visited throughout the project lifecycle and provides a base for the design of a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system. Exploration of our assumptions underlying a ToC can really help provide clarity - especially when we are navigating the global complexity projects and programmes exist within.

How has IMA supported Theory of Change recently?

Our past participants have come from a variety of sectors where Theory of Change concepts are used widely, including governments, UN Agencies, NGOs and increasingly, the Private Sector.

Following our face-to-face MEAL training in Bangkok, IMA was invited by one of the participants to work with the Atlas Alliance and support the finalisation of their Theory of Change. The Atlas Alliance is an umbrella organisation consisting of Norwegian organisations of persons with disabilities, both parents and families. The organisation is funded by Norad through the civil society window, and it works closely with local partners and 7 Norwegian Atlas member organisations. Their work covers multiple thematic areas; human rights and organisational development, inclusive education, economic empowerment, health and rehabilitation, and inclusive climate change adaptation.

The Norad approach to Evidence-based Planning uses ToC to guide thinking through the assumptions we make, and the evidence we need to back these up. Which in turn, can help identify necessary knowledge gaps for future research.

A past participant's visual representation of a Theory of Change.

The overall goal, the tools and techniques used and the deliverables?

IMA was asked to support the development of the Atlas Alliance Theory of Change to gain another perspective on how well it communicated the Atlas Alliances vision, cross-check that it fulfilled the criteria and expectations of a Theory of Change, and to support its evidence-base.

This included verifying the outcomes, impacts and assumptions, supporting the development of diagrams to support the narrative and explore the interconnections between the Theory of Change components. The work also entailed ensuring that Theory of Change was evidence-based and had references and relevant sources to support the underlying assumptions in how the Atlas Alliance and its partners understand their change pathways, and overall Theory of Change.

An updated Theory of Change narrative was developed, clearly demonstrating how it aligns with the requirements concerning knowledge-based programming.

IMA Services

IMA International provides training through open courses, tailored training, training of trainers, as well as consultancy for organisational change, coaching and mentoring. This builds capacity in international development programmes and humanitarian action globally. We constantly draw on our 40 years of experience working with the public and private sector, UN Agencies, NGOs, non-profits and many others. Our aim, is to help organisations enhance their work, by supporting collaboration within organisations and with their stakeholders, to work more efficiently towards their vision.

Our core values are, to be Innovative, Inclusive and to Inspire Change. We pride ourselves in our engaging, creative, supportive, and participatory training approaches. We are well-experienced in designing and facilitating training sessions and workshops to support capacity building. Always ensuring engaging and participatory knowledge-sharing and learning is encouraged, to identify important themes and develop future learnings.

Future Learning Opportunities

If you are interested in attending a Theory of Change training course yourself, please view our Theory of Change in Practice course page.

Or if you are interested in a tailored Theory of Change training for a group from your organisation please contact us to discuss, we are always happy to help.