ERIC Number: ED201647
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1979
Pages: 15
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The "By the Way..." Phenomenon: Role Redefinition in Program Evaluation.
Kirkhart, Karen E.; And Others
It is argued that the role of the evaluator is fluid and subject to unpredictable change over time. Two key principles from systems theory support the above: (1) the definition of an organization as an open system, and (2) the self-regulatory or cybernetic nature of systems. Actual experiences are drawn upon to describe that interrupted the evaluation process or changed the nature of the evaluation. The "By the way..." phenomenon referred to is described as an interaction between the organization and the evaluator that results in a modification, revision, deletion or addition to the previously prescribed evaluator role and its attendant activities. The basic premise, that changes themselves are not able to be anticipated, is explored; and it is concluded that the task becomes one of skill development (Specifically, renegotiation) so that the processes are there to handle the role changes as they occur. (Author/GK)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A