Theory of change and outcome pathways

An evaluation approach linking assumptions and conditions to explain how activities contribute to intermediate outcomes and eventual change.

Framework · Business and customers

Core concepts

• Activities and outcomes: distinguish work performed from changes that occur
• Pathway assumptions: conditions required for one outcome to lead to another
• Updating evidence: revise explanations in response to observations

Application

Distinguish activity volume from actual outcomes in education or organizational improvement and define indicators to examine each connection.

Limitations and jurisdiction

A persuasive pathway does not establish causality. Consider external factors and alternative explanations.

Editorial perspectives

• Prior clarification: define expected pathways and assumptions.
• Evidence-based adaptation: revise pathways in response to unexpected outcomes.

Sources

New Philanthropy Capital · 2019-10-09

Context: UK charity and public-benefit strategy and evaluation method

Source checked: 2026-10-07

Independent editorial summary and source link; the original text is not republished.

Related personas

Translation status

Editorial English translation of the Korean edition. No professional translation or occupational expert review has been completed. Translation does not change the source jurisdiction.

Translation prepared: 2026-10-09 · Source fingerprint: kb-fa7cb3030b93c7cd

API