| Session Title: Principles of System Change |
| Think Tank Session 503 to be held in International Ballroom C on Friday, November 9, 9:25 AM to 10:10 AM |
| Sponsored by the Systems in Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Teresa Behrens, W K Kellogg Foundation, tbehrens@wkkf.org |
| Discussant(s): |
| Pennie G Foster-Fishman, Michigan State University, fosterfi@msu.edu |
| Branda Nowell, North Carolina State University, blnowell@chass.ncsu.edu |
| Abstract: Although system change efforts in the human services or community change fields have become increasingly popular, this popularity has significantly outpaced their proven success. In fact, many systems change efforts report outcomes that are far less than what was promised or hoped for (e.g., Amado & McBride, 2002; King-Sears, 2001; Traynor, 2000). We will explore in this think tank the value of incorporating a systems thinking approach to the design and evaluation of systems change efforts. In small breakout groups we will examine specific principles from the systems thinking world and their potential application to systems change efforts. Groups will explore the value of these principles and identify strategies and methods for incorporating them into the design and evaluation of systems change efforts. The costs and benefits of applying a systems thinking perspective will be explored following these breakout sessions. |