Stakeholder Participation and Utilization in Program Evaluation

Abstract

Field data from two case study evaluations are used to describe a set of dynamic linkages between stakeholder participation and utilization in program evaluation. Key elements of the participatory process employed are linked to cognitive, affective, and political dimensions of participation as experienced and reported by stakeholders. These dimensions are in turn linked to stakeholder attitudes and perceptions representing a high readiness for use or potential for utilization. In both sites, considerable actual utilization of evaluation findings was also documented.