Journal Articles

Dealing with Distrust and Power Dynamics: Asymmetric Relations among Stakeholders in Responsive Evaluation

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Asymmetric relations among stakeholders create challenges in participatory evaluation processes. Power and conflict may hinder equal and genuine communication about the value of the practices evaluated. Guidelines to deal with these sociopolitical challenges are scarce and usually focus on the need for evaluators to remain distant or to handle resistance. In this article we discuss the use of a specific interpretation of responsive evaluation as an approach to foster dialogues among stakeholders in politically laden contexts. We aim to illustrate how asymmetric relations can be dealt with constructively, focusing on inclusion of marginalized groups, mutual learning and good dialogue. Two reflective case narratives are presented of responsive evaluation projects in settings with marginalized groups (client councils in elderly care and psychiatric clients with severe drug abuse). We reflect on the role of the evaluator in these contexts and discuss the justification for the active engagement of evaluators to enhance practice improvements.

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Detail Information

Series Title

Evaluation

Call Number

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Publisher

: sage publisher., 2010

Collation

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Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

13563890

Classification

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Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

Vol. 16 no. 3 July 2010.pp. 233-248

Subject(s)

Asymetric relations
Mutual learning
Responsive Evaluation
Marginalized groups
Dealing with Distrust and Power Dynamics

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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