Six factor to ensure that your evaluation results are used
As I wrote in a previous post, evaluation can be quite frustrating when all your effort and work doesn’t actually lead to any significant change in future practices. Why are evaluations not used? A new report “The Utilisation of Evaluations” (pdf) from ALNAP throws some light on this subject. Although focusing on the humanitarian sector, the report has some points that apply to all types of evaluations. I found interesting the six quality factors the author identifies that contribute to the findings of an evaluation being utilised, notably:
- Designing carefully the purpose and approach of the evaluation
- Managing quality participation of all stakeholders throughout the evaluation
- Allowing enough time to have all relevant staff and stakeholders involved
- Ensuring that the evidence is credible and the report is easy to read with clear, precise recommendations with who is responsible for what and when
- Putting in place follow-up plans at the outset
- Ensuring that the evaluator(s) are credible, balanced and constructive - wholesale negativity is never welcomed
Going through these six factors I can see where I’ve faced obstacles in past evaluations, notably points 2 and 5. I find managing stakeholder involvement is often difficult and so is setting out follow-up plans - it often comes as an after-thought. Certainly some factor to consider for all evaluators…
Read the full report (pdf) here >>
Glenn
3 comments January 17, 2007
