Resonance, stickiness, and the value propositions of Evaluation Capacity Building: Key takeaways and future directions

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a study of program participants’ responses to an innovative project called the Partnerships for Advancing Character program Evaluation (PACE), which operationalized a Relational Systems Evaluation (RSE) approach to Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB). We examine which tools and concepts from PACE resonated with participants and were sustained, and why. Analysis of participant interviews yielded sixteen distinct value propositions that they associated with the PACE training. Importantly, a number of them extend beyond evaluation to include contributions to other aspects of program professionals’ work responsibilities and work life. We explore the relationships between the most widely valued PACE tools and concepts and the value propositions they were associated with. These discoveries about the potential value propositions for the RSE approach to ECB hold promise for efforts to increase investment in evaluation capacity, and to strengthen the transfer of learning that is needed for evaluation to be embedded and sustained in organizations.