Expert views on applying complexity theory in evaluation: Opportunities and barriers

Abstract

Interest in evaluating complexity appears to be on the rise. Increasing application of systems thinking and complex systems methodologies to evaluation can be seen in contents of journals and evaluation conferences. To date there has been little systematic examination of experiences of this application. This research considers the experience of 41 key informant participants with experience of complexity and systems approaches in evaluation. The results highlight institutional, political and social science factors that provide opportunities for further application. The following are identified as barriers to application: multiple definitions of complexity, the dominance of existing approaches, the purpose of evaluation and perception of resources required to apply complexity and systems approaches in evaluation. Where increasing the use of complexity and systems methodologies is a desired goal, this research suggests action regarding: how these methodologies are communicated; and evaluation training.