Generative Evaluation

Abstract

Evaluation has so much potential for learning, co-creation, and collaboration around more inclusive and regenerative programs and, ultimately, systems. Yet, currently, evaluations are often experienced as controlling and frustrating add-ons. Inspired by developmental evaluation, we have experimented with generative methods to make evaluation a space for stakeholders to come together, re-connect, re-fresh the purpose of collaboration and re-view the design. We see that such a generative approach to evaluation can help to (1) express and co-construct systemic issues that often remain hidden and destructive otherwise, (2) create connection and energy for collaboration and (3) open a world of possibilities to learn from the past and adjust for the future. Organizations that use a more generative approach can hope to change the mindset within to more learning, collaboration, and courageous experimentation.

Keywords

• evaluation
• systems change
• learning
• generativity
• emergence
• transformation