Getting evaluation right in diverse contexts

Abstract

Our September 2023 issue of the Evaluation Journal of Australasia offers articles from Australian, Canadian and New Zealand contexts. They offer implications for evaluation practice and partnerships, with a particular focus on public/allied health and community-based program implementation. As I read these articles, I see how the authors are grappling with ‘ getting evaluation right ’ , not just from a pragmatic and technical perspective but also from a philosophical and ethical perspective. The practice article by Katina D ’ Onise and Katherine Pontifex provides an in-sightful re fl ection on a response to population health needs in the context of COVID-19 vaccination strategies. The urgency associated with various COVID-19 responses has led to innovations and rapid, fl exible approaches that otherwise might not have been considered (see also Iyamu et al., 2023; Kelly, 2023). And in this regard, D ’ Onise and Pontifex ’ s article demonstrates a similar dynamic. What is different here though is the application of the ‘ Lean start-up model ’ , which is designed to work with development of new products in uncertain contexts. The approach employed ‘ evaluative thinking ’ as a way of critically thinking and acting on evidence as it rapidly emerges (see also Cole, 2023 in the last issue for a detailed discussion of this topic). As I read through the lessons learned, the bene fi t of the approach used lies in its ability to quickly respond in a rapidly changing environment to implement policy initiatives, which include an evidence base. However, there are risks, as there are with any innovation. Haste and authoritative mandates may result in corners being cut, which may compromise ethical imperatives. Nevertheless, one of the key learnings from this work is that evidence can be quickly generated where there is a need for an urgent response to a complex problem. The