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Faith-based evaluation: accountable to whom, for what?
Mary Katherine O'Connor1, F Ellen Netting
1Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, 1001 W. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23284-2027, USA.
Evaluation and Program Planning
|June 25, 2008
Summary
Faith-based human service programs face complex evaluation demands. This study reveals five key properties in their evaluation networks, highlighting the balance between measurable outcomes and relationship-building through process evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Program Evaluation
- Community Services
Background:
- Faith-based human service programs are vital in urban areas, serving vulnerable populations.
- These organizations often navigate complex expectations from funders and diverse community stakeholders.
- Understanding their program evaluation practices is crucial for service effectiveness and sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine findings, issues, and lessons learned in program evaluation within faith-based human service organizations.
- To identify the core components of the evaluation network in these unique settings.
- To explore how these programs manage competing demands for accountability and service quality.
Main Methods:
- A national qualitative study employing grounded theory design.
- Data collected from 15 faith-based human service programs operating in urban environments.
- Analysis focused on identifying emergent properties within the program evaluation network.
Main Results:
- Five key properties emerged: philosophy of accountability, legitimacy, evaluation design, feedback loop, and barriers to evaluation.
- Programs excel at process evaluation, prioritizing quality service and relationship building.
- A tension exists between funders' demand for measurable outcomes and the programs' broader constituent expectations.
Conclusions:
- Faith-based programs adeptly manage multiple, often competing, evaluation demands.
- Process evaluation is integral to maintaining service quality and fostering relationships.
- Valuable lessons are learned regarding the practicalities and complexities of program evaluation in community-based settings.
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