Evaluate and Explain External Factors That Can Contribute to Evaluation

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The Answer is Sometimes an evaluation has been conducted, but the data or findings do not get used. A diverse range of factors can contribute to that outcome, some attributable to evaluators, some to organizations, and others to a variety of external influences. In terms of external factors, non-data-related factors can keep a program alive or hurt it and have substantive implications for evaluations. There are different perspectives, agendas, and "stakes" at play for the varied parties involved in the evaluation of a program or initiative. It can, at times, be challenging to navigate waters that may be experienced as politically treacherous. These waters can reflect resource strains or needed budget cuts as well as shifting policy interests and needs, especially during difficult budget years.
Shifting policy interests can sometimes reflect what some of our colleagues have deemed the "shiny penny" phenomenon, in which a new (or sometimes revisited) topic or initiative can capture the attention (and dollars) of local leaders or funders. In the short term, this can lead to interest in and support for evaluation of efforts or programs that function in this new area. However, the other side of that "coin" is that such shifting priorities can also lead directly to funds being diverted from other evaluation or program-enhancement efforts. Those functioning in areas that are no longer high priority can see their evaluation findings or recommendations fail to garner interest or, in some scenarios, can even experience the loss of expected funding. In brief, even though the work had clearly been conceptualized as multiyear, system representatives conveyed in the latter part of year one that there would not be system resources to support the ongoing evaluation.

Evaluate and Explain External Factors That Can Contribute to Evaluation

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