Navigating the awkward, challenging social context of evaluation
| Date | 01 September 2021 |
| Author | Elena Moretti |
| DOI | 10.1177/1035719X211030713 |
| Published date | 01 September 2021 |
| Subject Matter | Academic Articles |
2021, Vol. 21(3) 163 –176
https://doi.org/10.1177/1035719X211030713
Evaluation Journal of Australasia
© The Author(s) 2021
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DOI: 10.1177/1035719X211030713
journals.sagepub.com/home/evj
Navigating the awkward,
challenging social context of
evaluation
Elena Moretti
Education Review Office, New Zealand
Abstract
Evaluation practice takes place in a particularly awkward and challenging social
context due to the fear, resistance and anxiety that is often associated with
evaluation. Navigating this social context is taxing for evaluators and has the
potential to negatively impact their well-being. This article begins with an
exploration of the positioning of qualitative and relational approaches within the
evaluation field over time, showing that they have been increasingly acknowledged
and now widely accepted as crucial to the practice of evaluation. More recent
literature is then used to identify six social competencies that are essential to on-
the-ground evaluation practice. These competencies are in allaying fear and anxiety,
establishing rapport, building and maintaining professional credibility, recognising
tacit social dynamics, preventing and managing coercion attempts, and preventing
and managing hostility. The article then explores the implications of working in
this social context for evaluator well-being. Difficulties around self-assessing
competency levels, contending with a poor reputation, emotional labour and self-
care, and limited research specific to these matters are discussed. This article posits
that practising evaluators should routinely reflect and take active steps to not only
improve their social competence but also maintain their own well-being.
Keywords
evaluation practice, evaluator well-being, interpersonal skills, relational methods,
social competence, social skills
Corresponding author:
Elena Moretti, Education Review Office, Legal House, Level One, 101 Lambton Quay, Te Aro,
Wellington 6011, New Zealand.
Email: Elena.Moretti@ero.govt.nz
1030713EVJ0010.1177/1035719X211030713Evaluation Journal of AustralasiaMoretti
research-article2021
Academic rticleA
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