A Research Synthesis of the Evaluation Capacity Building Literature

Abstract

The continuously growing demand for program results has produced an increased need for evaluation capacity building (ECB). The Integrative ECB Model was developed to integrate concepts from existing ECB theory literature and to structure a synthesis of the empirical ECB literature. The study used a broad-based research synthesis method with systematic decision rules and demonstrates the viability of the method for producing a reliable analysis of disparate data from a variety of designs. There was a high degree of consistency in what was reported in the empirical literature and the theoretical literature in terms of strategies and outcomes. Reported outcomes at the individual level included attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors and at the organizational level included practices, leadership, culture, mainstreaming, and resources. Collaborative processes and programmatic outcomes emerged as important issues for ECB models and practice. The consistency between the empirical and the theoretical literature indicates that the field is ready to develop common measures, use stronger designs, and report more systematically. This synthesis provides an overview of existing data and an empirical basis for refining strategies and common measures for enhancing the research and practice of ECB to achieve ECB and programmatic goals and outcomes.