Why is stakeholder involvement critical in program evaluation?

Stakeholder involvement is critical in program evaluation primarily because it ensures that the evaluation not only reflects the perspectives of those affected but also addresses their needs and concerns. Engaging stakeholders—such as program participants, community members, funders, and other relevant parties—allows evaluators to gather diverse insights that inform the evaluation process and outcomes. This inclusive approach helps in aligning the evaluation with the lived experiences and expectations of those directly impacted by the program.

When stakeholders are involved, they can provide valuable context that helps clarify what success looks like from their viewpoint. This collaboration can lead to more relevant evaluation questions, improved data collection methods, and ultimately, findings that are more actionable and meaningful to those involved. By ensuring that the evaluation captures a wide range of experiences and values, it promotes more effective decision-making and fosters ownership among stakeholders, which is essential for the sustainability and improvement of the program.

In contrast, some other aspects outlined in the options, such as streamlining data collection or the mandate from funding agencies, while relevant to certain scenarios, do not encompass the fundamental importance of grounding the evaluation in stakeholder experiences and perspectives. Additionally, eliminating the need for quantitative data dismisses the valid contributions that quantitative analysis can provide in many evaluations, where both qualitative and quantitative data