Viewpoint on Ethical Reflection in Evaluation Practice in Multiactor Networks

Abstract

Background: In the evaluation process, it is not only the organising of different views and action plans so as to reach the mutual understanding that advances evaluation utilization through argumentation. It is above all complicated to compose a framework that can ensure clear guidelines for ethical evaluation practice in specific contextual situations and in complex operational environment with conflicting role expectations. Purpose: The aim of this article is to suggest guidelines for ethical reflection in evaluation practice in multiactor networks. For this purpose, we study the normative features of the use of language, illustrate the complexity of ethical decision-making, and discuss the importance of professional virtues in ethical reflection. Setting: Not applicable. Subjects: Not applicable. Research Design: Not applicable. Data Collection and Analysis: Desk review. Findings: The results indicate that from speech acts it may be impossible either to logically derive moral duties or obligations to act, or to present idealising suppositions of such rules for dialogical situations as would ensure the production of universal norms for participants in a conversation. However, the argumentation process is fruitful expressly when the participants can set mutual understanding as a goal and commit to aspire to that goal—although it will be impossible to reach it perfectly in practice. The use of neither extensive principles nor reflection on several theories can ensure a clear view of the situation. Conclusions: The ethics of evaluation is mostly concerned with balancing the conflicting principles and values. Therefore in ethical reflection, the focus should be on commitment to a certain reflective professional way of life in which the identification and acquirement of professional virtues have an important role.

Keywords

• ethics
• evaluation
• professional virtues