Evaluator Roles and Strategies for Expanding Evaluation Process Influence

Abstract

This article explores various evaluator roles and strategies that have the potential to increase the likelihood that the evaluation process will have an influence on an organization and its members. These roles are (1) educator, (2) consultant, (3) facilitator, and (4) counselor. A brief case study presents the discussion dynamics of an evaluation workgroup. This workgroup resulted in programmatic changes based primarily on the discussion of developing indicators for measuring student outcomes. Practical implications for evaluators seeking to enhance process influence may involve the evaluator using a “client-centered” approach. Facilitating collaborative, open environments and managing discussion dynamics are fundamental in establishing a community of organizational learners. These dynamics may take the form of both task-focused and task-related discussions.