How do we assume that municipal employment projects work? – Construction of a programme theory

Abstract

For several years, municipal employment projects have been the most frequently used active labour marked programme. They have, however, been criticized for their lack of employment effect. Drawing upon ‘Realistic Evaluation’ the article examines how these programmes are expected to work and under which circumstances, and proposes a programme theory for municipal employment projects. The article is based on existing literature and a case study. The programme theory consists of six generative mechanisms, which are expected to create changes and three moderators (contextual factors) that can contribute to explaining the – often limited – results. The generative mechan isms are: (1) creation of meaningfulness, (2) formation of relationships between the unemployed and the frontline employees, (3) co-constructor, (4) problem solving, (5) self-effi cacy and (6) work identity. The moderators are: (1) the needs and motivation of the unemployed, (2) evaluation culture and follow-up and (3) the physical environment. The validity of the programme theory can be evaluated and qualifi ed further, e.g. through a systematic testing of the programme theory on more cases. The construction of programme theories can thus contribute with nuanced knowledge about how differences in implementation, target groups and contextual factors infl uence how municipal employment projects work. Moreover it contributes to theory development within the field.