"Show me the Numbers": Examining the Dynamics Between Evaluation and Government Performance in Developing Countries. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hoey, Lesli
• Is Part Of: World development. Volume 70(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: monitoring and evaluation -- policy implementation -- development planning -- malnutrition -- health policy -- Bolivia; Economic history -- 1990- -- Periodicals; Economic assistance -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; 330.9
• DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.12.019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-750X

Abstract

Summary: This paper examines the dynamics between monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and government performance in developing countries, where M&E systems are expanding rapidly. Findings in Bolivia suggest that approaches to M&E can lower staff morale, create burdensome paperwork, blind managers to operational problems and emerging innovations, and reinforce self-censorship, contributing to the very problem M&E is intended to solve. Crafted appropriately, M&E can instead become a tool to build practical judgment, increase staff motivation, and improve implementation incrementally. Ultimately, these findings contribute to efforts to design M&E that can support staff working under complex working conditions.