The GSE Students have been thinking a lot about change. This is especially relevant for the “Dream Team”, which is helping Dream a Dream assess their activities but equally important for Enable India. A recent blurb on linear versus non linear theories of change appeared in a blog I read. I thought I would share it.
“A theory of change is an organization’s rationale for how its actions will ultimately lead to the achievement of its goals and mission. How well understood is the relationship between cause and effect? Some organizations have a focused theory of change, where the relationship between their actions and their impacts on society are linear and can be observed (see example below). The delivery of a basic service, such as shelter for homeless people, can be understood this way. You can count the number of people being fed, sheltered, and clothed.
A linear theory of change
A more complex theory of change would be that in addition to sheltering people, getting them out of poverty requires greater access to education, health care, and employment resources; at the same time, you might be trying to influence public policy on issues that affect the homeless. That involves a whole set of interrelated activities that are broad in scope. As you widen your scope to deal with a major social problem, the harder it becomes to measure your impact because it is tougher to isolate cause and effect. It’s no longer a simple linear relationship, but a complex set of relationships.” (Karmayog.net)
Global SE has a complex or non-linear theory of change. Its not like there is a linear relationship between this GSE experience and training change agents for the global good. The program also trys to do its part to reduce problems associated with poverty by working hand-in-hand with local organizations. In many ways, the students and me are learning more than helping. This is a good place to be.
