Toward a Coherent View of Evaluation

Abstract

The view of evaluation presented here is based on the expansion of outcome evaluation to include estimations of unintended outcomes. Projections of these outcomes into thefuture are also part of the expanded scope of outcome evaluation. Once identified as either private, merit, or public goods, benefit-cost analysis is then used to estimate the economic values of both types of projected outcomes. Human rights are identified as a separate way of valuing projected outcomes, distinct from, and in addition to, their monetary worth. In both cases we are interested in the impact of all discernable outcomes, so valued, on the level and distribution of income and rights. Kuhn's systems model of organizations is offered as a way of specifying the organizational function of evaluation. Essentially, evaluation provides information on the interaction of the organization, as a system, with its environment. This information is used by decision-makers to adaptively respond to the environmental conditions of the organization.