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Publication year
Exploring ways to reconcile accountability and learning in the evaluation of niche experiments
Resource type
Authors/contributors
- Regeer, Barbara J. (Author)
- de Wildt-Liesveld, Renée (Author)
- van Mierlo, Barbara (Author)
- Bunders, Joske F. G. (Author)
Title
Exploring ways to reconcile accountability and learning in the evaluation of niche experiments
Abstract
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.
Publication
Evaluation
Volume
22
Issue
1
Pages
6-28
Date
January 1, 2016
Journal Abbr
Evaluation
Language
en
ISSN
1356-3890
Library Catalogue
SAGE Journals
Citation
Regeer, B. J., de Wildt-Liesveld, R., van Mierlo, B., & Bunders, J. F. G. (2016). Exploring ways to reconcile accountability and learning in the evaluation of niche experiments. Evaluation, 22(1), 6–28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356389015623659
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