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Evaluative Inquiry for Systemic Change
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Evaluative Inquiry for Systemic Change
A Guide to Shift Beyond Fixes to Lasting Value

November 2025 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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In a world where social, ecological, health, and other problems are influenced by multiple, intersecting systems, why do most interventions target single-factor solutions? Why does so much evaluation settle for incremental change, and how could it contribute instead to deeper, lasting, transformative change? Authors Emily F. Gates and Pablo Vidueira make two interconnected arguments in this book: they critique the "fixed" approach of traditional program evaluation and policy analysis, and they advance an alternative approach centered on changing systems and developing the value of efforts toward change. They demonstrate that systemic change that embeds evaluative inquiry is a theoretically supported, practical way to work toward fundamental social change with lasting impact.
 
Preface
 
About The Authors
 
Chapter 1: Shift From Fixing to Systemic Change
Shift from Fixing to Systemic Change

 
Rationales for Systemic Change: Scientific, Critical, and Practical

 
Five Myths About Systemic Change

 
Distinguishing Systemic Change from Related Approaches and Examples

 
 
Chapter 2: Develop Value Together
What ‘Good’ Means: An Open Question

 
Shift from Determining to Developing Value

 
A Critical Deliberative Stance to Develop Value

 
Evaluation Approaches Aligned with a Critical Deliberative Stance

 
Five Myths about Evaluating Systemic Change

 
 
Chapter 3: Join Together
From Fixed Silos to System Stewardship

 
Pause Topics: Invitations to Reflect, Discuss, and Co-Create

 
Practical Tips

 
 
Chapter 4: Engage In Systemic Change
Framework and Process of Systemic Change

 
Focal Processes and Resources for 5 Phases of Systemic Change

 
 
Chapter 5: Evaluate To Develop Value
Five Evaluative Elements We Center and Why

 
Putting it Altogether: Evaluative Inquiry to Develop Value

 
 
Chapter 6: Shape Capabilties and Conditions
Why Shape Capabilities and Conditions?

 
Micro, Meso, and Macro Capabilities and Conditions

 
Using the Model

 
 
Chapter 7: Share And Learn from Examples
Context for our Conversation

 
Part I. About the Global Alliance for the Future of Food

 
Part II. How the Global Alliance Engages in Systemic Change

 
Part III. What Evaluating Looks Like with a Focus on the Five Evaluative Elements

 
Closing Reflections on this Example

 
 
Conclusion
 
Acknowledgments
 
Glossary
 
References
Key features

KEY FEATURES

  • Equips students to move beyond linear, “fixed” approaches to social problems by introducing systemic change as a dynamic, iterative process. Designed for use across fields such as public policy, education, nonprofit management, and environmental studies, making it a versatile teaching tool.
  • Offers a clear, five-phase framework for systemic change and a five-element model for evaluative inquiry—ideal for structuring lectures, workshops, and assignments.
  • Encourages students to grapple with normative questions of value, inclusion, and power—key to developing thoughtful, equity-centered evaluators and change agents.
  • Includes tailored insights for instructors, students, practitioners, funders, and evaluators—helping learners see how their roles intersect in systemic change efforts.
  • Features real-world examples, including a global case study on food systems change, to illustrate theory in action.

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