What is the role of stakeholders in the evaluation process?

The role of stakeholders in the evaluation process is critical, as they actively contribute to a deeper understanding of the evaluation findings and foster a sense of ownership over those findings. Engaging stakeholders—such as program staff, beneficiaries, funders, and community members—ensures that diverse perspectives are considered, which can lead to more relevant and applicable results. Their involvement not only enhances the credibility of the evaluation but also facilitates better implementation of recommendations.

Involving stakeholders helps in clarifying the evaluation's purpose, refining evaluation questions, and interpreting results in a way that is meaningful to those affected by the program. This collaborative approach can lead to improved decision-making and increased support for future initiatives, as stakeholders feel that their voices are heard and accounted for in the evaluation process. This shared ownership can also enhance the likelihood of successful action based on the findings, making the evaluation process more impactful overall.