The author, in her review of Frank Caro's article, "Leverage and Evaluation Effectiveness," finds several suggestions which may harm evaluation more than help it, and which are unlikely to be implemented. (Author/GK)

Program evaluation must be practiced by all members of all trades, disciplines, professions, or any other group of people whose efforts are aimed at making a difference. There is a role for "content free" evaluation methodology resources, but not for a professional "content free" evaluator. (RL)

A contingency model of evaluation competencies is presented concerning the types and levels of professional competency an evaluator should have. Four broad categories of competency (policy analysis, administrative, interpersonal/personal, and technical) are identified along with three different levels of criteria of acceptable performance.…

Responsible scientists/evaluators must be assertive contract negotiators who understand and respect the legitimate needs and obligations of all pertinent parties to the contract. Evaluators should not work under conditions that prevent them from providing an appropriately comprehensive and critical evaluation, nor that prevent useful secondary…

In his review of Frank Caro's article, "Leverage and Evaluation Effectiveness," the author challenges Caro's assertion that evaluations are weaker than they could be because evaluators are in weak organizational positions to demand methodological rigor or full program cooperation. Caro's model aligning evaluation with regulation is…

The basic functions and procedures of management consulting are contrasted with formal program evaluation. A case example illustrates the differing approaches used in programmatic problem solving. The similarities and differences between these specializations are highlighted to understand their unique but complementary contributions to the…

The philosophical and psychological foundations of the resistance evaluators encounter when attempting to implement evaluation efforts are explored. Problems in the evaluative paradigm are presented, and suggested coping strategies are discussed. (Author/GK)

Included are listings of important books, journals and newsletters; brief descriptions of the major professional societies in the program evaluation field (including membership information); a listing of resources for evaluation training materials; and a brief discussion of targeted research on evaluation. (Author/RL)

Evaluation occurs within existing programs and power arrangements of complex organizations. It may develop as a licensed concession within a program or as an expression of a concession made to the ideal of rational decision making. The formation of professional career paths in evaluation may lead to career immobility. (Author/MH)

It is suggested that the developmental phases of program evaluators replicate those of the profession of program evaluation. A trend in program evaluation from program amelioration to program advocacy and ultimately to program accountability is projected. (Author/MH)

Problems in conducting program evaluation in third world countries can be divided into four interrelated categories: those associated with design, personnel, time, and budget. Some of the problems in each of these areas are considered and suggestions for dealing with them are presented. (Author)

Unclear professional norms create problems of role conflict for program evaluators. Four circumstances that produce role conflict and suggestions for dealing with each one are examined. The influence of organizational context on role conflicts is also considered. (Author)