Systems thinking concepts within a collaborative program evaluation methodology: The Hermes Program Evaluation

Abstract

There has been a growing interest in introducing systems thinking ideas in the program evaluation field over the last decades. Most of these efforts have supported the practice of evaluation, rather than contributing to produce theoretical advancements in evaluation. This article illustrates how systems thinking concepts may enrich the program evaluation field both at theoretical and practical levels. In particular, it examines how critical systems thinking perspectives and concepts were introduced in evaluation by discussing the design of an evaluation of a peace-building program in Colombia. We describe theoretical contributions of systems thinking within a reframed evaluation methodology and illustrate its application in a practical evaluation. Finally, we discuss some advantages of using systems thinking in evaluation.