External Evaluation

An external evaluation is conducted by an evaluator who is not employed by the organization that has commissioned the evaluation. An external perspective brings credibility to the process because it is perceived as more objective and accountable than an evaluation conducted by internal staff. It may also foster innovative thinking.

The external evaluator or team is governed by the terms of a contract that specifies the evaluation tasks and the duration of the project. The contract focuses the evaluator on the parameters of the evaluation process itself and limits involvement in broader organizational issues. It can be easily (though not necessarily painlessly) severed by both parties and so the relationship is both temporary and accountable. Its arm’s length nature allows the external evaluator to interact objectively ...