Using a systems orientation and foundational theory to enhance theory-driven human service program evaluations.

Area of Science:

• Program Evaluation
• Systems Theory
• Organizational Psychology

Background:

• Traditional program evaluations often struggle to integrate complex system dynamics.
• Logic models can be limited in capturing the nuances of human service program operations.
• Foundational theories are underutilized in developing comprehensive evaluation frameworks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel framework for theory-driven program evaluations.
• To demonstrate how a systems orientation and foundational theory can enhance logic models.
• To improve the identification and explanation of relationships within human service program systems.

Main Methods:

• Developed a framework integrating systems orientation and foundational theory.
• Utilized Self-Determination Theory as a case example for foundational theory application.
• Applied the framework to two human service program evaluations.

Main Results:

• The framework improved evaluators' ability to observe and explain program effects.
• Integrated disparate evaluation issues into a unified logic model.
• Addressed complexities of valuing, context, and evaluation utilization.

Conclusions:

• A systems orientation combined with foundational theory offers a robust approach to program evaluation.
• The proposed framework enhances the comprehensiveness and utility of logic models.
• This approach can lead to more insightful and actionable evaluation findings.