Theory-Based Evaluation Meets Ambiguity: The Role of Janus Variables
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Theory-Based Evaluation Meets Ambiguity : The Role of Janus Variables. / Dahler-Larsen, Peter.
I: American Journal of Evaluation, Bind 39, Nr. 1, 01.03.2018, s. 6-23.Publikation: Bidrag til tidsskrift › Tidsskriftartikel › Forskning › fagfællebedømt
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Theory-Based Evaluation Meets Ambiguity
T2 - The Role of Janus Variables
AU - Dahler-Larsen, Peter
PY - 2018/3/1
Y1 - 2018/3/1
N2 - As theory-based evaluation (TBE) engages in situations where multiple stakeholders help develop complex program theory about dynamic phenomena in politically contested settings, it becomes difficult to develop and use program theory without ambiguity. The purpose of this article is to explore ambiguity as a fruitful perspective that helps TBE face current challenges. Literatures in organization theory and political theory are consulted in order to cultivate the concept of ambiguity. Janus variables (which work in two ways) and other ambiguous aspects of program theories are classified and exemplified. Stances towards ambiguity are considered, as are concrete steps that TBE evaluators can take to identify and deal with ambiguity in TBE.
AB - As theory-based evaluation (TBE) engages in situations where multiple stakeholders help develop complex program theory about dynamic phenomena in politically contested settings, it becomes difficult to develop and use program theory without ambiguity. The purpose of this article is to explore ambiguity as a fruitful perspective that helps TBE face current challenges. Literatures in organization theory and political theory are consulted in order to cultivate the concept of ambiguity. Janus variables (which work in two ways) and other ambiguous aspects of program theories are classified and exemplified. Stances towards ambiguity are considered, as are concrete steps that TBE evaluators can take to identify and deal with ambiguity in TBE.
KW - Faculty of Social Sciences
KW - theory-based evaluation
KW - program theory
KW - participatory evaluation
KW - evaluation use
KW - ambiguity
U2 - 10.1177/1098214017716325
DO - 10.1177/1098214017716325
M3 - Journal article
VL - 39
SP - 6
EP - 23
JO - American Journal of Evaluation
JF - American Journal of Evaluation
SN - 1098-2140
IS - 1
ER -
ID: 182535989