Why Evaluation Theory Should Be Used to Inform Evaluation Policy

Abstract

Many organizations now have evaluation policies. Because formal evaluation policies intend to frame evaluation practice, it is important to understand the aims of policies and their influence on practice. Evaluation theory is also intended to guide practice; therefore, the extent to which policies are informed by theory is also important to consider, given the related purposes of evaluation theories and policies. Because evaluation policies have emerged with greater occurrence relatively recently, the conceptual and empirical work on the theory–policy–practice connection is limited. Our aim in this article is to flesh out the intersection between evaluation theory, policy, and practice. As illustrative examples, we discuss the three policies in terms of methods, use, and valuing—three core dimensions of evaluation theory. The article concludes with a set of reflections on the different strategies for and implications of a stronger integration of evaluation theory in evaluation policies.