New Partnerships Require New Approaches to Participatory Program Evaluations: Planning for the Future

Abstract

Abstract: Program evaluation is in a period of transition. There is a growing international recognition that government and civil society must work together to accomplish common goals. These new partnerships affect evaluators because of the unequal distribution of power between the partners. Without careful consideration, the evaluator can be seen to represent only those with the most power. This, in turn, affects the perceived independence of evaluators. New partnerships require new approaches. Participatory program evaluation is one useful approach that can lessen undue influence by any one partner and help to create a positive culture of evaluation.