Evaluation models and evaluation use

Abstract

The use of evaluation results is at the core of evaluation theory and practice. Major debates in the field have emphasized the importance of both the evaluator's role and the evaluation process itself in fostering evaluation use. A recent systematic review of interventions aimed at influencing policy-making or organizational behavior through knowledge exchange offers a new perspective on evaluation use. We propose here a framework for better understanding the embedded relations between evaluation context, choice of an evaluation model and use of results. The article argues that the evaluation context presents conditions that affect both the appropriateness of the evaluation model implemented and the use of results.

Strategic Evaluation Utilization in the Canadian Federal Government

“…Although the process is not easily discernable, over time it may have profound effects on policy" (Weiss, 1979). Contandriopoulos and Brousselle (2012) refer to "collective systems" situated at the organizational or policy level, which act as knowledge exchange mechanisms and include, among others, sense-making, coalition building, and persuasion and rhetoric. Evaluation, according to these authors, is one component of such systems, and evidence gathered as part of evaluations must be embedded within specific " action proposals" or policy options.…”

Standing back and looking forward: Editors’ reflections on the 20th Anniversary of Evaluation

“…Everyday practice is informed by rules and rules are constructed in professional and institutional settings. This conception of practice gets us close to the engaged, democratic and participatory evaluator role exemplified in this issue by the article by Ivaldi, Scaratti and Nuti, following a well-trodden path (see for example Baur et al, 2010;Contandriopoulos and Brousselle, 2012;Gregory, 2000;Laperrière, 2014;Rebien, 1996;Suárez-Herrera et al, 2009).…”

Public health for a sustainable future: the need for an engaged ecosocial approach

“…The programmatic agenda of an ecosocial approach to public health involves disrupting some balances of power. We know, however, that collaborative-participative approaches have only limited influence in polarized contexts (CONTANDRIOPOULOS ET AL., 2010;BROUSSELLE, 2012). As such, if we wish to help shape policies we will need to adopt an 'advocate' role, either alone or in strategic groups, to be able to influence governments (ZAHARIADI, 2014;JENKINS-SMITH ET AL., 2014).…”