Five Shifts in Thinking About Impact Evaluation
Problem with current mindset:
- Many see impact evaluation as burdensome reporting.
- Need to reframe it as energising, engaging, and focused on what matters most.
Five Shifts of Perspective:
From Accountability → Leadership
- Not just reporting stewardship.
- Use evaluation to guide focus on what truly matters for individuals, communities, and society.
From Effort → Effect
- Outputs = what you do.
- Outcomes = what people come out with (skills, perspectives, changes in life).
- Focus on lasting change, not just activity.
From Feedback on Us → Reflection on Them
- Traditional surveys keep the spotlight on the organisation.
- True evaluation asks: How are people doing as a result of our work?
- Better reveals real needs, growth, and areas for support.
From Data Extraction → Human Engagement
- Avoid treating people as raw data sources.
- Make the evaluation itself a meaningful, reflective, and growth-oriented process.
- Data collection can also be part of the intervention.
From Numbers Only → Robust Data
- Don’t reduce human experience to statistics.
- Use both quantitative (numbers, graphs) and qualitative (stories, reflections) data for a fuller picture.
Reflection Prompt:
- Assess your current data practices.
- Where are you strong? Where do you need growth in applying these shifts?