The Politics of Evaluation Research: The Peace Corps

Abstract

This paper analyzes the major political problems evaluation research must solve if it is to be effective in an innovative agency. Peace Corps annals supply the illustrations. In solving these problems, the role of the "inside" researcher is detailed. He is both consultative (promotes collaboration between researcher and line people who will use the results) and entrepreneurial (integrative of diverse resources); he must bridge the cross-cultural gaps within the agency and with respect to the client the agency serves, the author explains. In the next section he deals with the role of the "outside" researcher and the relative merits and demerits of contracts and grants for evaluation. There are also political problems inherent in the organization's response to evaluation, especially where "unacceptable findings" and "unintended consequences" result. Finally, the author stresses the constructive impact careful research can have on an innovative agency's program and mission.