In program evaluation, what does utilization-focused evaluation emphasize?

Utilization-focused evaluation emphasizes the importance of ensuring evaluation results are used in decision-making processes. This approach prioritizes the needs and interests of the stakeholders who will ultimately use the evaluation findings, tailoring the evaluation to enhance its relevance and utility. By focusing on how the findings can inform decisions, program improvements, and policy-making, this evaluation strategy ensures that the evaluation process is not just an academic exercise but a practical tool for action.

In this framework, evaluators engage directly with stakeholders to identify what information is needed and how it will be used. By doing so, utilization-focused evaluation enhances the likelihood that findings will lead to concrete changes or improvements based on the evaluation results. This approach contrasts with a focus solely on aesthetic presentation, methodology selection, or timeliness, which do not inherently ensure that the findings will be effectively utilized in decision-making processes.