European Evaluation Society EES Trends in evaluation practice

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European Evaluation Society (EES) & Trends in evaluation practice Bucharest, November 2, 2006 Professor

European Evaluation Society (EES) & Trends in evaluation practice Bucharest, November 2, 2006 Professor Peter Dahler-Larsen, Ph. D Institut for Statskundskab Syddansk Universitet, Odense

SIMPLE SLOGANS do not represent my complex views

SIMPLE SLOGANS do not represent my complex views

European Evaluation Society (EES) n n n Founded 1994 Independent Member-based

European Evaluation Society (EES) n n n Founded 1994 Independent Member-based

Purpose n n Promote theory, practice and utilization of high quality evaluation Bring people

Purpose n n Promote theory, practice and utilization of high quality evaluation Bring people and ideas together in evaluation

activities n n n Conferences & symposia Professional workshops Networks and contacts Working groups

activities n n n Conferences & symposia Professional workshops Networks and contacts Working groups Journal ”Evaluation” website

Seven trends and issues in evaluation in Europe n n n n 1 Creation

Seven trends and issues in evaluation in Europe n n n n 1 Creation of evaluation societies 2 From evaluability assessment to evaluation culture 3 Complex evaluands 4 Revival of role of theory in evaluation 5 Pluralism in evaluation 6 Multiple forms of use 7 Increasing role of public arena

Still existing evaluation societies The world, 1980 -2004

Still existing evaluation societies The world, 1980 -2004

Evaluability assessment: is the evaluation itself cost-effective? n n n Clear description of program?

Evaluability assessment: is the evaluation itself cost-effective? n n n Clear description of program? Fairly well implemented? Fairly good program theory? Well-described and plausible goals? Relevant data within reach? Opportunities to improve program, including intended users willing to use results?

Evaluation culture n n n Norms, values and practices should support the idea of

Evaluation culture n n n Norms, values and practices should support the idea of evaluation Evaluation should be integrated in government and management Evaluation should be institutionalized and mainstreamed

Instrumental forms of use n n Control/accountability Learning/development

Instrumental forms of use n n Control/accountability Learning/development

Political forms of use n n Strategic use Tactical use

Political forms of use n n Strategic use Tactical use

Unconventional forms of use n n Proces use Enlightenment Symbolic Constitutive

Unconventional forms of use n n Proces use Enlightenment Symbolic Constitutive

Mentioned in survey in addition to instrumental use (Dahler-Larsen) n n n n Attention

Mentioned in survey in addition to instrumental use (Dahler-Larsen) n n n n Attention to activity Prepare for change Encourage debate Develop competency Better contact between partners Enthusiasm Frustration: no clear goals, no participation

Measure fixation n n Trivial Advanced

Measure fixation n n Trivial Advanced

Theoretical reflection n n Nico Stehr: knowledge is socially productive in non-linear ways Knowledge

Theoretical reflection n n Nico Stehr: knowledge is socially productive in non-linear ways Knowledge makes the social order ”fragile”