The author begins with two assumptions: evaluators might not have the vocabulary and constructs to analyze their thoughts and actions in ethical terms, and evaluators have often confronted troubling situations that contain ethical issues embedded within them. In this context, she reacts to seven articles on ethical issues in evaluation.…

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)

An incident from evaluation practice is examined to aid understanding of moral problems in evaluation. Six characteristics are identified and discussed. Types of research needed on the moral aspects of evaluation practice are presented. Suggestions for aiding evaluators in dealing with moral problems are outlined. (Author/DWH)

Some of the major moral and ethical dilemmas illustrated by authors in this special journal issue are highlighted. From an ethical viewpoint, the complexity of evaluation activities is likened to "quicksand" terrain in which directional or warning signs should be erected to aid personal choices when such issues are encountered.…

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 author offers opinions regarding the resources invested in evaluation and the evaluators' awareness of the need to justify the profession in terms of social utility. (GK)

Ethical conflicts between an internal evaluator's social reform, and an organization's survival motivation are discussed. The evaluator might encounter pressure to downplay negative, and emphasize positive, findings; reinforcement for nonthreatening, routine evaluation activities; greater interest in making the evaluation unit visible than in…

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)

Issues related to the rationale for standard setting, the standard setting board and its support structure, the content of standards and rules for generating them, and issues that deal with how standards are put to use are areas discussed in the content of a standard-setting effort in accounting. (Author/PN)

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)

The lack of overriding rationale and theoretical anchors in "Standards for the Evaluation of Educational Programs, Projects and Materials" creates difficulties when adapting the standards to local situations. The limitations of the book's treatment of ethical considerations, evaluation, utilization, and research management procedures for…