Stakeholder participation in evaluation: How important is diversity?

Ex-Post Evaluation of the Impacts of the Science-Based Research and Innovation Program: A New Method Applied in the Case of Farmers’ Transition to Organic Production in the Camargue

“…The participatory nature of this approach is intended to enhance responsiveness during the evaluation process and raise the interest of local actors (Weiss, 1997;Cousins, Whitmore, 1998). However, two main concerns with respect to the workshops are as follows: (a) the available time in workshops can be limited; (b) a power game may occur among participants, which means that the discussions can be dominated and biased by some actors (Mathie, Greene, 1997). This is particularly problematic when diversity is lacking in group discussions (Mathie, Greene, 1997).…”

“…However, two main concerns with respect to the workshops are as follows: (a) the available time in workshops can be limited; (b) a power game may occur among participants, which means that the discussions can be dominated and biased by some actors (Mathie, Greene, 1997). This is particularly problematic when diversity is lacking in group discussions (Mathie, Greene, 1997). Moreover, causes with little or no link to research projects are underexplored.…”

Developing Indicators for Monitoring and Evaluating Joint Management Effectiveness in Protected Areas in the Northern Territory, Australia

“…The principle of PME is that it can be used to empower local communities to analyze their own problems (Pretty and Vodouhe 1997, Estrella et al 2001, Zukoski and Luluquisen 2002, Elwood 2006) by defining indicators, collecting indicator data, and analyzing the emerging data through learning by doing (Estrella et al 2001, Fernandez-Gimenez et al 2008. Both PME and joint management require that key stakeholders are included effectively in the monitoring and evaluation process (O'Sullivan 2004, Timko andSatterfield 2008) and that the powerful (in this case the park managers) are willing to incorporate the powerless (in this case the indigenous people) into the evaluation process (Guba and Lincoln 1989, Mathie and Greene 1997, Estrella et al 2001, Fetterman 2001.…”

“…The willingness of stakeholders to participate in evaluation processes or express disagreements could be affected by fear of retaliation from those within the program who possess legal and/or institutional authority, especially when dealing with programs that are politically sensitive (Mathie and Greene 1997). Other stakeholders might be unwilling even to acknowledge another party's legitimate role or to make agreements with them (O'Faircheallaigh 2002).…”

Evaluating outcomes from stakeholders’ perception: evidence from an irrigation project in Nigeria

“…According to Heck et al (2011), participatory approach is potentially effective for the enhancement of evaluation capacity, increment of credibility and results acceptance, thus strengthening relationships between local stakeholders and managers. Participatory evaluation is also described as a major tool for transformation, stimulating the analytical capabilities of all participating stakeholders, while also encouraging mutual acknowledgment of different perspectives (Mathie & Greene, 1997).…”