Teaching Paper: Theory of Change Pathways for Systemic Impact

Teaching Paper: Theory of Change Pathways for Systemic Impact

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Article | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hworgbrchmchscimp-tp-01


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About the Article

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.

Key Topics

  • Theory of Change
  • Service Delivery Models
  • Advocacy and Policy Reform
  • Cultural Transformation
  • Systemic Impact
  • Non-Profit Strategy
  • Participatory Evaluation

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Theory of Change Pathways for Systemic Impact: From Service Delivery to Advocacy and Cultural Transformation. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hworgbrchmchscimp-tp-01

References

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https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hworgbrchmchscimp-06

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Mechanisms of social change in non-profit organisations: From outputs to systemic impact. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hworgbrchmchscimp-01

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Practitioner checklist for analyzing change mechanisms (Teaching Paper). Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-hworgbrchmchscimp-tp-03

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https://doi.org/10.64357/change-mechanisms-2025

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https://doi.org/10.64357/accountability-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Organizational Legitimacy: Earning & Sustaining Public Trust. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/legitimacy-2025

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https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/teaching-paper-theory-of-change-pathways-for-systemic-impact
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October 8, 2025