The new scalar politics of evaluation: An emerging governance role for evaluation

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Date

2014-10-12

Authors

Rutkowski, David
Sparks, J.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Evaluation

Abstract

In this article we analyze how roles for evaluation are described and argued for in key texts produced and/or promoted by three influential international networks: the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness; the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Assistance Committee’s Network on Development Evaluation; and the Network of Networks for Impact Evaluation. We contend that these complex multilateral networks are working supranationally through soft power to promote: common standards of evaluation practice; a dominant model of evaluation (impact evaluation); and new evaluation roles, relationships and practices for the field of development. Moreover, we argue that this emerging complex multilateral agenda for evaluation may position evaluation and evaluators within a global governance strategy allowing greater influence to international development organizations. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of the analysis for evaluators working in the field of international development.

Description

Keywords

complex multilateralism, evaluation standards, global governance, impact evaluation, international development, soft power

Citation

Rutkowski, D., & Sparks, J. (2014). The new scalar politics of evaluation: An emerging governance role for evaluation. Evaluation, 20(4), 492-508. DOI: 10.1177/1356389014550561

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