The case for developmental evaluation

In a recent blog post discussing the importance of good evidence in supporting systems change work, evaluation expert Lisbeth Schorr wrote, “To get better results in this complex world, we must be willing to shake the intuition that certainty should be our highest priority…” Rather, she argues, “it is time for all of us to think more expansively about evidence as we strive to understand the world of today and to improve the world of tomorrow.” [Emphasis added]

At the annual American Evaluation Association Conference (AEA) in November, practitioners, funders, and academics from around the world gave presentations and facilitated discussions around a type of evaluation that is specifically designed to meet this need for a more expanded view of evidence. It’s called developmental evaluation, and, as noted by other commentators, it took this year’s AEA conference by storm.