Teaching Paper: Theory of Change Pathways for Systemic Impact

This Teaching Paper explores how different Theory of Change (ToC) pathways—service delivery, advocacy and policy reform, and cultural transformation—contribute to systemic impact in the non-profit sector. It compares how these models link inputs, processes, outputs, and outcomes, showing that systemic change rarely unfolds linearly but through complex, interacting mechanisms. The service delivery pathway illustrates direct, measurable outcomes such as improved health and wellbeing; advocacy emphasizes coalitions, research, and institutional reform; and cultural transformation focuses on shifting norms and attitudes. By integrating conceptual depth with practical examples, the paper provides academics, practitioners, and students with a comparative framework to analyze, design, and adapt ToC models for real-world application.