Rights statement: The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Evaluation, 24 (1), 2018, © SAGE Publications Ltd, 2018 by SAGE Publications Ltd at the Evaluation page: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/evi on SAGE Journals Online: http://online.sagepub.com/
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Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Journal article › peer-review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Exploring the use of Soft Systems Methodology with realist approaches
AU - Dalkin, Sonia
AU - Lhussier, Monique
AU - Williams, Lynne
AU - Burton, Christopher
AU - Rycroft-Malone, Joanne
N1 - The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Evaluation, 24 (1), 2018, © SAGE Publications Ltd, 2018 by SAGE Publications Ltd at the Evaluation page: https://journals.sagepub.com/home/evi on SAGE Journals Online: http://online.sagepub.com/
PY - 2018/1/19
Y1 - 2018/1/19
N2 - As the use of realist approaches gains momentum, there is a growing interest in how systems approaches can complement realist thinking. In this article, we discuss how the epistemology of Soft Systems Methodology is compatible with realist approaches. Both Soft Systems Methodology and realist approaches emphasize the necessity to engage stakeholders; through models, thedescription of contingencies and exploring the intricacies of how complex programmes really work. We outline the key elements of realist approaches and Soft Systems Methodology, and report on two novel case studies. Drawing on our own experiences, we make the case that, used in conjunction with a realist approach, Soft Systems Methodology can provide a useful tool to a) map programme complexity, and b) develop and refine stakeholders programme theories, thus increasing the transparency, reliability, validity and accuracy of the theory building and refining process in realist approaches. We highlight Soft Systems Methodology as a novel companion to realist approaches and detail the first case studies of its use.
AB - As the use of realist approaches gains momentum, there is a growing interest in how systems approaches can complement realist thinking. In this article, we discuss how the epistemology of Soft Systems Methodology is compatible with realist approaches. Both Soft Systems Methodology and realist approaches emphasize the necessity to engage stakeholders; through models, thedescription of contingencies and exploring the intricacies of how complex programmes really work. We outline the key elements of realist approaches and Soft Systems Methodology, and report on two novel case studies. Drawing on our own experiences, we make the case that, used in conjunction with a realist approach, Soft Systems Methodology can provide a useful tool to a) map programme complexity, and b) develop and refine stakeholders programme theories, thus increasing the transparency, reliability, validity and accuracy of the theory building and refining process in realist approaches. We highlight Soft Systems Methodology as a novel companion to realist approaches and detail the first case studies of its use.
KW - Rrealist evaluation
KW - Realist syntheses
KW - Soft Systems Methodology
KW - Stakeholders
KW - Systems thinking
U2 - 10.1177/1356389017749036
DO - 10.1177/1356389017749036
M3 - Journal article
VL - 24
SP - 84
EP - 97
JO - Evaluation
JF - Evaluation
SN - 1356-3890
IS - 1
ER -