Navigating the awkward, challenging social context of evaluation

Abstract

Evaluation practice takes place in a particularly awkward and challenging social context due to the fear, resistance and anxiety that is often associated with evaluation. Navigating this social context is taxing for evaluators and has the potential to negatively impact their well-being. This article begins with an exploration of the positioning of qualitative and relational approaches within the evaluation field over time, showing that they have been increasingly acknowledged and now widely accepted as crucial to the practice of evaluation. More recent literature is then used to identify six social competencies that are essential to on-the-ground evaluation practice. These competencies are in allaying fear and anxiety, establishing rapport, building and maintaining professional credibility, recognising tacit social dynamics, preventing and managing coercion attempts, and preventing and managing hostility. The article then explores the implications of working in this social context for evaluator well-being. Difficulties around self-assessing competency levels, contending with a poor reputation, emotional labour and self-care, and limited research specific to these matters are discussed. This article posits that practising evaluators should routinely reflect and take active steps to not only improve their social competence but also maintain their own well-being.