Buddhist evaluation: Applying a Buddhist world view to the Most Significant Change Technique

Abstract

Culturally responsive evaluation recognises the existence of diverse ontologies and epistemologies or understandings of existence and ways that people know, reason and perceive the world respectively. Its exponents argue that these should be reflected in evaluation practice. Buddhism has a significant global influence today, particularly in some countries in South East and East Asia, where it is practised by a large majority of the population. In this article, we suggest an applied approach to culturally responsive evaluation by first analysing the ontologies and epistemologies underpinning Buddhism and the Most Significant Change technique, a participatory method for monitoring and evaluation that involves the collection of stories of significant change. We then identify where these converge and diverge. Finally, we suggest practical ways in which the Most Significant Change technique could be adapted to enhance its compatibility with a Buddhist world view.