Evaluation-Capacity Building

The Three Sides of the Coin

Authors

  • Pernelle Smits Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.026.005

Abstract

I share my experience as a Canadian evaluator who is starting out in the field and new to the process of evaluation capacity building. I draw on three metaphors to describe what I believe are abilities of an effective evaluator. The first is an ability to be like playdough—to mould to external requirements. The second is an ability to be like a spider—to build webs or networks based on an understanding of the global context of the intervention. The third is an ability to be like Buddha—to cultivate a Zen-like attitude during stormy times. I illustrate each metaphor with some of my own evaluation experiences. I also discuss the possible disadvantages of each of these abilities.

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Published

2011-04-21

How to Cite

Smits, P. (2011). Evaluation-Capacity Building: The Three Sides of the Coin. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 26(1), 75–81. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.026.005

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 1 (2011): Spring

Section

Research and Practice Notes

License

Copyright (c) 2011 Pernelle Smits

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