Building a culture of change: Lessons learned in principles-driven evaluations

By Nora F. Murphy Johnson, PhD

This blog post is part of a series on ‘Principles-Driven Systems Change,’ which explores the various methodologies, challenges, and breakthroughs experienced by changemakers dedicated to transformation for social justice and equity.

Introduction

Much of my principles-focused work has been in the context of developmental evaluations in support of systems change for increased social justice and equity. This means that people are collaborating from different organizations or vantage points in systems, and that these individuals have decided it’s time to work together for change. Other evaluators working with principles in different ways or contexts may have very different feedback to share about what it takes to do this work. Nonetheless, I offer you what I’ve learned.

Lessons Learned

Trust, positive regard, and a commitment to learning are essential

Principles-driven learning-oriented changemaking is based on trust and positive regard. Working with principles is different in many ways than working with concrete goals and outcomes. When you take on big change, work towards social justice, and attempt to disrupt deeply entrenched and powered…