Abstract
This paper addresses the issue of the knowledge gap between evaluators and the entity being evaluated: the dilemma of the knowledge of professional evaluators vs. the in-depth knowledge of the evaluated subjects. In order to optimize evaluative outcomes, the author suggests an approach based on ideas borrowed from the science of cybernetics as a method of evaluation-one that enables in-depth perception of the evaluated field without jeopardizing a rigorous study or the evaluator's professionalism. The paper focuses on the main concepts that deal with this dilemma - showing how cybernetics combines the different bodies of knowledge of the different stakeholders, including the professional evaluator, resulting in a coherent body of knowledge created mainly by those internal to the process, owned by them, and relevant to all - those who are internal and those who are external and their different purposes.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 333-342 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Evaluation and Program Planning |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Nov 2010 |
Keywords
- Abduction
- Cybernetics
- External evaluation
- Internal evaluation
- Knowledge gap
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business and International Management
- Social Psychology
- Geography, Planning and Development
- Strategy and Management
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health