The logic framework has gained a lot of attention in recent years. It is an important concept for planning and understanding social change.

It was developed by United Way and the WK Kellogg Foundation and is based on a value chain approach. The logic framework is a cause-effect model for any social intervention. It starts with the inputs, eg financial, human, or infrastructure resources used for the intervention. Next, the process of the activities is described. The primary result is the output, eg the measurable results of the intervention.

Today, most reports do not go further than the outputs, because they are measurable and easy to report. However, any statement on effectiveness is only possible if the next two phases of outcome and impact are addressed. The outcome contains the indirect effects of an intervention on the individual level, eg the effects on living conditions, social integration, etc. Impact, finally, deals with the effects on society, eg effects on economy, security, education etc.

Depending on the selected measurement model, the terms and definition of outcome and impact may vary, but it is important to separate individual from societal effects. There are two very relevant advantages of defining a logic framework:

First, the logic framework can be differentiated by different stakeholder groups. By assigning single inputs, outputs, outcomes, or impact to selected stakeholders, one can demonstrate how different stakeholders participate in the intervention. For example, a state authority might be interested to know what share of their subsidies remain with the beneficiaries.

Second, a logic framework takes into account both positive and negative effects and by this reduces unintended consequences of an intervention. If your theoretical development of the intervention shows different unintended effects, you can adjust your intervention beforehand.

Paper&Pencil Task

Now it is your turn! Develop a logic framework for your social initiative or project. Before you start, please recall the following recommendations:

• Start with the process.
  You have a rather clear idea about the activities of your intervention. Thus, it is easier to describe this part first and then go from there backwards to the input needed, and afterwards forward to output, outcome, and impact.
• Stay with one intervention or project.
  Describing a logic framework for an entire organization or several projects increases complexity and may lead to confusion. It is better to remain with one intervention and learn from there about the definition of a logic framework for other projects.
• Start with a broad assessment of stakeholders.
  Include as many stakeholders as possible right from the start. You may reduce the number later, when you have a clearer picture. But including a new stakeholder at a later stage leads to additional work.
• Measurement follows mission.
  Start with thinking about indicators after you have defined your outcomes and impact. Otherwise, you will be tempted to describe your impact following the available indicators. If you are not able to find a useful measure for your defined outcome or impact, you still can make adjustments, but then they are done consciously.
• Don’t forget the baseline.
  Whenever you talk about impact, people want to know about the initial situation. Collect information and data on the baseline information, so that you are able to compare the situation before and after the intervention.

This link will lead you to a step-by-step explanation to develop your own logic framework.

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