Journal Articles

Exploring ways to reconcile accountability and learning in the evaluation of niche experiments

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While evaluation is seen as a mechanism for both accountability and learning, it is not self-
evident that the evaluation of niche experiments focuses on both accountability and learning at
the same time. Tensions exist between the accountability-oriented needs of funders and the
learning needs of managers of niche experiments. This article explores the differences in needs
and expectations of funders and managers in terms of upwards, downwards and internal
accountability. The article shows that as the multi-stakeholder contexts in which niche
experiments take place give rise to various requirements, tensions in evaluation are essentially
a specific manifestation of tensions between niche experiments and their multiple contexts.
Based on our findings, an adjusted accountability framework is proposed, including several
strategies that can reconcile a learning approach with accountability needs in niche
experiments aiming to change current practices in a more sustainable direction.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Evaluation : The International Journal of Theory, Research and Practice

Call Number

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Publisher

Thousand Oaks, CA : Sage Publications., 2016

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

13563890

Classification

NONE

Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Volume 22, Issue 1, January 2016; pp. 6–28

Subject(s)

Evaluation
Accountability
Learning
Alignment
niche experiments

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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