What is Systemic Change? Three Components of a Measurable Definition
Abstract
Despite over a decade of Market Systems Development programming focused on systemic change, there remains no precise definition of what systemic change actually is. This paper addresses this gap by establishing a three-component definition of systemic change that translates abstract system-level concepts into measurable actor-level terms. Component 1 addresses the nature of the system itself and what it comprises (functions, actors, and actions), Component 2 addresses how the system responds to ongoing changes through both performance modifications and changes in composition, and Component 3 addresses how changes in the system relate to programme intervention. By building from actor-level frameworks and system concepts that readily translate to measurement, the paper provides a conceptual foundation for defining systems, understanding system change, and assessing how changes relate to programme work.
Key takeaways
- Systemic change can be defined precisely through three measurable components: the nature of the system, how it responds to change (in both performance and composition), and the relationship between observed changes and programme intervention
- A measurable definition of systemic change must start with tangible actor-level concepts that can be observed and measured, rather than relying on abstract system theory
- The system definition should focus on a change process comprised of sets of actions that actors perform directly or indirectly, bounded subjectively through selection of relevant sets of actions and actors
- Separating the nature of the system itself from system change processes allows for clearer understanding of performance measures versus composition changes within systems