What is a potential challenge for evaluators in the field?

Balancing stakeholder expectations with objective evaluation findings is a significant challenge for evaluators in the field because evaluation is often conducted within complex social and political contexts. Stakeholders—including program staff, funders, and community members—typically have specific interests and objectives they aim to achieve. These interests may not always align with the impartial data and conclusions drawn from the evaluation process.

When evaluators present findings that may conflict with stakeholder hopes or expectations, it can lead to resistance or mistrust from stakeholders who may be more interested in positive outcomes than accurate assessments. Furthermore, evaluators must navigate these dynamics carefully to maintain the integrity of their work while also ensuring that stakeholder perspectives are considered. This balance is crucial for fostering dialogue, ensuring buy-in for evaluation processes, and ultimately enhancing the utility of the findings for program improvement and decision-making.

While accessing technology, identifying participants, and obtaining funding can pose hurdles, they do not encapsulate the relational and ethical complexities of engaging with varying stakeholder perspectives and needs, which is pivotal in conducting effective evaluation work.