Clarifying the role of belief-motive explanations in multi-stakeholder realist evaluation

Journal article


Evans, Susan, Dadich, Ann, Stout, Brian and Plath, Debbie. (2020). Clarifying the role of belief-motive explanations in multi-stakeholder realist evaluation. Evaluation and Program Planning. 80, pp. 1 - 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2020.101800
AuthorsEvans, Susan, Dadich, Ann, Stout, Brian and Plath, Debbie
Abstract

In realist evaluation, where researchers aim to make program theories explicit, they can encounter competing explanations as to how programs work. Managing explanatory tensions from different sources of evidence in multi-stakeholder projects can challenge external evaluators, especially when access to pertinent data, like client records, is mediated by program stakeholders. In this article, we consider two central questions: how can program stakeholder motives shape a realist evaluation project; and how might realist evaluators respond to stakeholders’ belief-motive explanations, including those about program effectiveness, based on factors such as supererogatory commitment or trying together in good faith? Drawing on our realist evaluation of a service reform initiative involving multiple agencies, we describe stakeholder motives at key phases, highlighting a need for tactics and skills that help to manage explanatory tensions. In conclusion, the relevance of stakeholders’ belief-motive explanations (‘we believe the program works’) in realist evaluation is clarified and discussed.

Keywordsrealist evaluation; research on evaluation; multi-stakeholder collaboration; stakeholder resistance
Year2020
JournalEvaluation and Program Planning
Journal citation80, pp. 1 - 6
PublisherElsevier Ltd
ISSN0149-7189
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2020.101800
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85080080129
Page range1 - 6
Research GroupSchool of Allied Health
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
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