Evaluating Change in Systems: Beyond Program Evaluation

As communities tackle increasingly complex social challenges, typical program evaluation approaches sometimes fall short. That's where systems change evaluation comes in – a powerful approach that looks beyond individual programs to understand how various elements of a system work together to create or prevent change.

What is Systems Change Evaluation?

Systems change evaluation examines how different parts of a system – policies, practices, resource flows, relationships, and even mindsets – interact to influence outcomes. Unlike traditional program evaluation that might focus on a single intervention, systems change evaluation helps us understand the bigger picture across sometimes multiple interventions.

For example, think about improving childhood nutrition in a community. A typical program evaluation might look at the success of a school lunch program. Systems change evaluation, however, would examine multiple interconnected factors: food availability in neighborhoods, family resources, school policies, cultural attitudes about food, and relationships between schools, families, and food providers. This broader view helps us understand not just what's happening as a result of one program, but what’s happening across multiple efforts and why and how change is happening.

Why is Systems Change Evaluation Growing in Popularity?

The appeal of systems change is simple: it's more efficient (and many would argue more effective) to change systems than to try changing one person at a time. offers a more complex way to evaluate these more complex change efforts, and helps us understand and influence the underlying conditions that keep problems in place.

This approach has gained traction because it:

• Reveals interconnections between different parts of a system

• Identifies leverage points for creating lasting change

• Helps identify both intended and unintended consequences of system changes

• Includes the effects of many stakeholders contributing to solving an issue

• Supports more sustainable solutions to complex problems

A Complex but Valuable Approach

Systems change evaluation involves various models and frameworks for understanding how systems operate and change over time. It employs multiple evaluation approaches to capture the complexity of systemic shifts and uses innovative reporting methods to communicate findings effectively. While the specific tools and techniques can be complex, the fundamental goal is simple: understanding how to create meaningful, lasting change in our communities.

Learn More About Systems Change Evaluation

Want to learn more? We have a short course for you! 

For those interested in applying systems change evaluation in their work, SPS offers an engaging short course that breaks down these concepts into practical, actionable knowledge. The course is designed for evaluators, community organization staff, students, and anyone interested in understanding how to evaluate complex systemic interventions. Upon completion, participants receive a professional certificate recognizing their foundational knowledge in this important field. 

Ready to dive deeper into systems change evaluation?

Check out our short course here.