Can Evaluation Help an Organization to Learn?

Kim Forss, Basil Cracknell and Knut Samset
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Kim Forss: University of Växjo
Basil Cracknell: Evaluation Consultants, East Sussex
Knut Samset: Scanteam International AS, Norway

Evaluation Review, 1994, vol. 18, issue 5, 574-591

Abstract: One of the main objectives of evaluation is to promote organizational learning. However, even a well-used evaluation system does not generate learning automatically. This article discusses learning with reference to experiences in the Norwegian aid administration. It shows that evaluations generate learning in two modes: via involvement and via communication. If an organization wants to maximize its learning, it should pursue strategies to let the two modes supplement each other. Learning must be related to what people know—their knowledge structures—and what they need to know to do their job well. Evaluation systems may be only marginally effective when there is a need to change knowledge structures rapidly, particularly if the organization lacks dominating knowledge structures.

Date: 1994
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:evarev:v:18:y:1994:i:5:p:574-591

DOI: 10.1177/0193841X9401800503

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