Stakeholder participation in evaluation design: Is it worth the effort?

Using a utilization-oriented participatory evaluation case study methodology, this research project is investigating (a) the hypothesized link between participation and evaluation use, (b) the theoretical and operational dimensions of participatory evaluation, and (c) the possible conflicts between use and quality within participatory approaches to evaluation. This paper reports on the design phase of two case study evaluations being conducted in cooperation with two small local human service agencies. The participatory design process used is described, and the nature and meaningfulness of stakeholder participation in this process is reviewed. A concluding assessment of the value of stakeholder participation in evaluation design yields a qualified "yes.".