# 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
[Theory of change in ten steps](https://www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub/ten-steps/) 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
  [Project manager](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/manager) · [Instructional designer](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/instructional-designer) · [Management consultant](https://personawiki.app/en/personas/management-consultant)

## 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
[Korean source](https://personawiki.app/knowledge/theory-of-change)

## API
[JSON document](https://personawiki.app/api/v1/knowledge/theory-of-change?lang=en)