State and describe the evaluation capacity factors that should be considered at the individual and organizational levels. Please include both the factors and examples of indicators.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Answer is An empirically validated model and corresponding evaluation capacity assessment instrument (ECAI) developed by Taylor-Ritzler, Suarez-Balcazar, and their colleagues (2013) includes important indicators of evaluation capacity such as the degree to which evaluation is conducted routinely (mainstreamed) within the organization across programs, and evaluation findings are used to make program improvements. Further, Taylor-Ritzler et al. (2013) identified specific individual and organizational indicators of evaluation capacity that, in interaction, are predictive of evaluation mainstreaming and use. The individual factors include attitudes, motivation, and knowledge and skills. Examples of the individual indicators are: (responses will vary)
Attitudes: Perceptions of evaluation (benefits, importance, drawbacks, uses) and myths
Motivation: Motivation to learn about, conduct, and support others to engage in evaluation; readiness; and importance
Knowledge and skills: Knowledge about evaluation plan, logic models, outcomes and outputs, how to collect data, analyze data, develop recommendations, and write an evaluation report
The organizational factors include leadership, learning climate, and resources. Examples of the organizational indicators are: (responses will vary)
Leadership: Leadership style; communication; leaders consider staff concerns, have realistic expectations of what staff can accomplish; management policies; commitment to evaluation; clearly articulated goals; managers supporting individuals and the organization to engage in evaluation
Learning Climate: Reflection, discussion, problem-solving, respect; opportunities for feedback and brainstorming
Resources: Accommodating the needs of people with disabilities and people from diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds; resources are allocated for evaluation related to:
Funding, time, people, space
Hardware, software, data management system
Training, consultation and technical assistance

State and Describe the Evaluation Capacity Factors That Should Be