The Realpolitik of Evaluation: Why Demand and Supply Rarely Intersect

The Realpolitik of Evaluation highlights the gap between the demand for evaluation results and the supply of information provided by evaluators. Experts provide ten global examples of this gap and suggest ways to bridge it through third parties, enhanced stakeholder involvement, and the incorporation of social science models to strengthen Theories of Change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 190 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Realpolitik of Evaluation delves into the diverse demands for evaluation, shedding light on the gap between the expectations of those on the demand side and the information provided by evaluators. This gap presents a challenge that requires exploration. Can anything be done to narrow this gap? What strategies have proven effective, and what approaches have fallen short? Experts from both the demand and supply sides offer valuable insights by examining these questions from different perspectives. They provide ten global examples of the gap between demand and supply of evaluation information in various contexts. Through their analysis, they unveil the biases behind supposedly reliable sources of evaluation information and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of efforts to bridge the gap through the use of third parties, enhanced stakeholder involvement, and the incorporation of social science models to strengthen Theories of Change (ToC).

This book is a valuable resource for policymakers, program implementers, and project managers. It offers a comprehensive examination of the challenges and opportunities associated with evaluation, providing valuable insights for those involved in designing and implementing effective evaluation strategies. The Realpolitik of Evaluation encourages a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between demand and supply, and it offers practical solutions to help bridge the gap and improve the quality and impact of evaluation efforts.

In conclusion, The Realpolitik of Evaluation is a thought-provoking and insightful book that will be of great interest to policymakers, program implementers, and project managers. It offers valuable insights into the diverse demands for evaluation, the gap between demand and supply of evaluation information, and the strategies for bridging this gap. By examining these questions from multiple perspectives, the book provides a comprehensive framework for improving the quality and effectiveness of evaluation practices.

Weight: 349g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367559861