Discussion Note: Complexity-Aware Monitoring - USAID (2021)

This USAID Discussion Note provides an explanation of when to use monitoring approaches that are complexity-aware and summarizes the three principles of complexity-aware monitoring.

Complexity-aware monitoring complements performance monitoring for aspects of strategies, project and activities where cause-effect relationships are uncertain and agreement on problems and solutions is low. When USAID staff identify components of strategies, projects, and activities that meet these criteria, they may consider using complementary monitoring approaches that are complexity-aware in order to address performance monitoring’s three blind spots (unintended outcomes, alternative causes and feedback loops), synchronize with the pace of change, and consider key systems concepts, such as interrelationships, perspectives, and boundaries. Complexity-aware monitoring can be used in conjunction with performance and context monitoring keeping in mind the distinctive strengths of each.