Outcome Mapping (OM)

Tracking the "Missing Middle" in Social Change

Outcome Mapping (OM) is a participatory framework that focuses on tracking the often unseen but critical changes in behaviors, relationships, and partnerships that occur during a program's life. Unlike traditional methods that focus only on end results, OM emphasizes understanding the ongoing contributions of actors involved and how their actions influence long-term outcomes.

• Behavioral change focus — Tracking shifts in actions, relationships, and practices of key stakeholders
• Boundary partner engagement — Working with individuals and groups directly influenced by the program
• Participatory evaluation — Involving stakeholders in defining success and assessing progress
• Incremental progress tracking — Recognizing gradual shifts rather than only measuring end results
• Relationship development — Monitoring how connections between actors evolve and strengthen
• Cross-sector application — Effective in community development, environmental sustainability, human rights, health, and education
• Context-sensitive analysis — Accounting for complex social systems with interconnected factors
• Gender-responsive monitoring — Addressing disparities in how different gender groups experience and contribute to change

Outcome Mapping is ideal for complex programs where conventional evaluations might miss nuanced behavioral shifts. By emphasizing the roles of boundary partners and tracking gradual changes in practices, OM provides a comprehensive approach to understanding and sustaining long-term social change in real-world complexities.