How do you balance stakeholder expectations and evaluation standards in your program evaluation?

2 Clarify your evaluation standards

The next step is to clarify what standards you will use to guide your evaluation design, implementation, and reporting. Evaluation standards are criteria that define the quality and credibility of an evaluation. They can be derived from professional associations, ethical codes, best practices, or stakeholder expectations. Some common evaluation standards are utility, feasibility, propriety, accuracy, and accountability. You need to communicate these standards clearly and transparently to your stakeholders and explain how they will shape your evaluation decisions and actions.

3 Negotiate your evaluation plan

The third step is to negotiate your evaluation plan with your stakeholders. An evaluation plan is a document that describes the purpose, scope, questions, methods, data sources, analysis, reporting, and dissemination of your evaluation. It is a collaborative process that requires input and feedback from your stakeholders. You need to balance your stakeholder expectations and evaluation standards by finding common ground, addressing conflicts, and managing trade-offs. You also need to be flexible and responsive to changing needs and contexts.

4 Implement your evaluation activities

The fourth step is to implement your evaluation activities according to your evaluation plan. This involves collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to answer your evaluation questions and meet your evaluation standards. You need to involve your stakeholders in your evaluation activities as much as possible, such as by inviting them to participate in data collection or review data analysis. You also need to monitor and document your evaluation process and outcomes and report any challenges or deviations from your plan.

5 Communicate your evaluation findings

The fifth step is to communicate your evaluation findings to your stakeholders and other audiences. This involves presenting and disseminating your evaluation results, conclusions, and recommendations in a clear, concise, and accessible way. You need to tailor your communication strategies and formats to suit your stakeholder needs and preferences, such as by using different languages, media, or platforms. You also need to solicit feedback and dialogue from your stakeholders and address any questions or concerns they may have.

6 Use your evaluation for improvement

The sixth and final step is to use your evaluation for improvement. This involves applying your evaluation findings and recommendations to improve your program design, delivery, or outcomes. You need to engage your stakeholders in the use of your evaluation by involving them in action planning, implementation, or follow-up. You also need to evaluate the impact of your evaluation on your program and stakeholders and identify any lessons learned or best practices for future evaluations.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?