Reinventing Logic Modeling: A Stakeholder-Driven Group Approach
Erinn Leary Green · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2005
A logic model visually represents the inputs, activities, outputs and outcomes of a program and proposes the causal links among these entities.The importance of including logic modeling in the evaluation of a program is well established (Weiss 1998; Rossi, Freeman & Lipsey 1999).Many evaluators have called for more stakeholder involvement in logic modeling (Weiss 1997(Weiss , 1998;;Patton 1989; Rossi, Freeman & Lipsey 1999), while others have called for new methods to craft logic models (Bickman 1987(Bickman , 1989;;McLaughlin & Jordan, 1999).This study developed and tested a technique that guides program stakeholders through the creation of a logic model, thus addressing both needs (increased stakeholder participation and an improved methodology to create logic models).Eleven key informant interviews with experts in program theory and organizational development were conducted to help develop the technique.The all-day, eight-stage stakeholder-driven technique was developed and piloted with four organizations.The technique was evaluated through pre-and post-tests, qualitative data, and follow-up interviews, and was refined to maximize usefulness for stakeholder groups.Comparison organizations that created logic models in a traditional fashion were interviewed to determine if this new method has salutary effects on stakeholders compared to other methods.After participating in the stakeholder-driven logic modeling event, participants reported a significant increase in their understanding of how the program operates, what the program achieves, and the pressures the program operates under.Participants were more invested in the program, felt more of a sense of community with others involved in the program, and were more committed to utilizing the logic model after participating in the event.Their understanding of logic models increased significantly from before to after the event.Stakeholders in comparison organizations reported deficiencies in the impact of their logic models.