The Politics of Evaluation in International Organizations

Evaluation has become a crucial tool in assessing the performance of international organizations, fostering learning, and demonstrating accountability. However, this book challenges the conventional understanding of evaluation as a value-free activity by revealing how it can serve as an instrument for power in global governance. The analysis draws on 120 research interviews and textual analysis of over 200 evaluation reports from 21 UN system organizations, including case studies of the ILO, IMF, UNDP, UN WOMEN, IOM, UNHCR, FAO, WHO, and UNESCO. The authors propose ways of better reconciling the observed evaluation politics with the need to gather reliable evidence to improve the functioning of the United Nations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 25 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Evaluation has emerged as a vital tool in assessing the performance of international organizations, promoting learning, and demonstrating accountability. Within the United Nations (UN) system, thousands of evaluators and consultants generate hundreds of evaluation reports worth millions of dollars annually. However, the question remains whether evaluation truly delivers on its promise of providing objective evidence and practical use. By delving into the internal workings of evaluation systems within international organizations, this book challenges the conventional notion of evaluation as a value-free activity. Vytautas Jankauskas and Steffen Eckhard demonstrate how a seemingly neutral technocratic tool can be wielded as an instrument of power in global governance. They expose the deep political entrenchment of evaluation stakeholders, the control and design of IO evaluation systems, and, to a lesser extent, the content of evaluation reports.

The analysis is based on 120 research interviews with evaluators, member state representatives, and IO secretariat officials, as well as a textual analysis of over 200 evaluation reports. The investigation spans 21 UN system organizations, including detailed case studies of the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Women (UN WOMEN), International Organization for Migration (IOM), United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Health Organization (WHO), and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Through their analysis, the authors shed light on the (in)effectiveness of evidence-based policymaking and propose ways to better reconcile the observed evaluation politics with the need to gather reliable evidence for improving the functioning of the UN. Rather than abandoning evaluation or isolating it from stakeholders, the authors advocate for acknowledging surrounding political interests and designing evaluation systems accordingly.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of evaluation politics in international organizations. By challenging the conventional view of evaluation as a value-free activity, it provides insights into how power dynamics shape the conduct and outcomes of evaluation processes. The authors' proposals for better reconciling evaluation politics with the need for reliable evidence offer valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance the effectiveness and accountability of international organizations.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192855206