Table 2 Operationalisation of context-mechanism-outcomes concepts in the VoM programme
Concept | Theoretical definitiona | Operational descriptionb | Thematic elaborationc |
|---|---|---|---|
Context | Refers to the fact that a relationship between causal mechanisms and their effects depends on the specific circumstances | Something (situation or condition) that existed prior to the start of the VoM programme or something happening outside control of the programme | Historical factors Organisational factors Programme-related |
Mechanisms | Responsible for the relationship between context and outcome; the cognitive or affective responses of participants to resources offered [57] | Activities and actions taken by actors (citizens, community workers, coalition members) in the VoM programme | Programme-related: actions taken by community workers, VoM coalition members Participant-related: actions taken by citizens |
Outcomes | Results from different layers of reality in social explanation | Results of the VoM programme; programme outputs and short-term outcomes (Fig. 1). Intended short-term and long-term outcomes as defined in the programme theory and unplanned outputs and outcomes as perceived by stakeholders (community workers and citizens) | Results at the level of: - citizens - community workers - community |