Q methodological study on stakeholder involvement processes that support process use of evaluation in the Upper Regions, Ghana

Abstract

This paper uses Q Methodology to ascertain the views of project staff on how they could be involved in evaluation in order to enhance process use.  Structured interviews were conducted with twenty-five project staff who participated in two project evaluations within the context of participatory evaluation in Ghana. It emerged that the use of Q Methodology in evaluation studies enhances the mainstreaming of process use by helping to focus on the critical issues in participatory evaluation practice. Process use is enhanced when ample time is provided for intensive interaction with evaluation stakeholders from the formative stage of evaluation. Process use also requires evaluators to create an environment that is supportive of mutual interaction and closeness in working relations with stakeholders. The research concludes that process use in evaluation is attained through well-planned evaluation that gives voice to project staff and emphasises shared learning. The study recommends critical attention to active participation of project staff, group processes and shared learning, if process use is to be achieved by evaluation. Further research is needed to clarify which form(s) of stakeholder involvement in evaluations contributes more positively to process use.