Evaluation as a social practice: Disenchantment, rationalities and ethics

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Sociology
• Public Administration

Background:

• Evaluation is increasingly perceived as a tool for social control, akin to auditing and inspection.
• This perception contrasts with the historical conception of evaluation as a public service vocation.
• The evaluation profession faces growing public distrust and criticism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the root causes of widespread disenchantment with the practice of evaluation.
• To apply Max Weber's concepts of social action and rationalities to understand contemporary evaluation challenges.
• To explore the ethical and professional dilemmas confronting the evaluation community.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the social practice of evaluation.
• Application of Max Weber's sociological theories, specifically his logic of social action.
• Examination of Weber's concepts of rationalities to interpret evaluation practices.

Main Results:

• The omnipresence of evaluation has blurred its distinction from social control mechanisms.
• The professional identity of evaluators is challenged by perceptions of intrusiveness and commercialization.
• Weber's framework illuminates the rationales driving current evaluation practices and their societal impact.

Conclusions:

• The perceived shift from a public good vocation to social control necessitates a re-evaluation of professional ethics.
• Understanding the rationalities behind evaluation practices is crucial for addressing professional and ethical challenges.
• Reclaiming evaluation's public service ethos requires confronting its current societal perception and function.