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Values in Evaluation

In a world under dire strain ecologically, socially, politically, what values should guide evaluation, and how far should evaluators go in standing by them? Posts here explore the ethical foundations of evaluation practice, the normative commitments embedded in every evaluation whether acknowledged or not, and the question of whether evaluators can remain neutral when the stakes are existential.
03
Apr
“What went wrong with woke?” The problem of measurement and influence.

“What went wrong with woke?” The problem of measurement and influence.

How twisted narratives and simplistic measures can destroy a major effort to do good. This post examines what the backlash against ESG and ‘woke’ culture reveals about the dangers of poor measurement, ideological capture, and evaluation’s role in defending evidence-based progress
4 min read
03
Jun
Leaving no-one behind?

Leaving no-one behind?

I re-post this post - originally published on Evaluating Sustainable Development Goals. "To accomplish great things, we must not
6 min read
10
Sep
"Labour" Day? The undervaluing of lives and labour in the Global South

"Labour" Day? The undervaluing of lives and labour in the Global South

This is an expanded version - especially in terms of key messages for evaluation professionals - of a post that
5 min read
24
Apr
COVID-19, Part 6. Extraordinary benefits

COVID-19, Part 6. Extraordinary benefits

A dispassionate observer of Planet Earth from far away could well be pleased with this global crisis faced by all
5 min read
18
Dec
When can we claim 'success'?

When can we claim 'success'?

I have long thought that evaluators don't define 'success' in meaningful ways. Now highly respected economist
4 min read
02
Nov
The DAC criteria, Part 9. Our responsibilities

The DAC criteria, Part 9. Our responsibilities

Our evaluation criteria are fundamental to the credibility and utility of our evaluations. Yet we have allowed one set of
4 min read
03
Sep
Lives of Equal Value

Lives of Equal Value

Back to blogging after a hiatus of three months during which I travelled too frequently for work assignments. Pressurised schedules
4 min read
26
Apr
Oh for the Love of Sticky Notes! The Changing Role of Evaluators Who Work with Foundations.

Oh for the Love of Sticky Notes! The Changing Role of Evaluators Who Work with Foundations.

Julia Coffman is one of our best-known evaluation leaders working primarily with foundations. I always think of her as innovative,
1 min read
25
Mar

AWSEM! A framework for empowering women scientists

In one of my recent posts I wrote about the pervasive influence of power on development, and the imperative to
5 min read