What does the "theory of change" in program development provide?

The "theory of change" in program development serves as a framework that outlines how and why a desired change is expected to happen. It details the specific steps and interventions that will lead to the desired outcomes and clarifies the assumptions, resources, and external factors that influence the process. This theory is fundamental in guiding program design, implementation, and evaluation because it establishes a logical pathway connecting actions to anticipated results, which helps stakeholders understand the rationale behind a program’s strategies.

In contrast to other options, a checklist for evaluating program effectiveness focuses on assessing whether the program meets its objectives post-implementation, rather than detailing the process leading to those outcomes. A guide for financial planning specifies budgeting and resource allocation, which are tangential to outlining the mechanisms of change. Similarly, a method for performance appraisals deals with individual employee performance assessments rather than the broader concept of organizational or community-level change, which is where the theory of change is primarily applied. Thus, the correct answer encapsulates the essence of a theory of change, making it an essential tool in program development.