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Evaluating the evaluation: Understanding the utility and limitations of evaluation as a tool for organizational learning

Joanne Reeve

Division of Primary Care, University of Liverpool, Joanne.Reeve{at}liv.ac.uk

Denise Peerbhoy

Institute for Health, John Moores University, Liverpool

Objective Organizational learning, underpinned by evidence-based health care, and greater user involvement in planning and delivery were key objectives of the NHS Plan. Evaluation, and specifically participatory evaluation, offers the potential to address these elements of the NHS modernization agenda. We discuss the strengths and limitations of evaluation in delivering the modernization agenda through use of a case study — the evaluation of a Healthy Living Centre project, catchon2us!

Setting A Healthy Living Centre project in Merseyside.

Results There was evidence that collaborative research can promote opportunities which foster significant learning and change, thus making the effort and time involved worthwhile. However, the two-way flow of information necessary for development of shared goals and learning at strategic, as well as provider, levels is not easily achieved. Barriers include the rigidity of organizational structures within large agencies such as the NHS, with priorities imposed from national levels overriding local priorities.

Conclusions The inherent contradictions in current strategic drivers in the NHS need to be addressed if services can ever deliver the goal of true organizational learning.

Key Words: evaluation • Healthy Living Centres • NHS modernization • organizational learning

Health Education Journal, Vol. 66, No. 2, 120-131 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0017896907076750
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Home page
 American Journal of EvaluationHome page
P. A. Smits and F. Champagne
An Assessment of the Theoretical Underpinnings of Practical Participatory Evaluation
American Journal of Evaluation, December 1, 2008; 29(4): 427 - 442.
[Abstract] [PDF]