A Learning Approach to Monitoring and Evaluation
Abstract
This article draws on literature from both monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and organisational learning to explore synergies between these two fields in support of organisational performance. Two insights from the organisational learning literature are that organisations learn through ‘double?loop’ learning: reflecting on experience and using this to question critically underlying assumptions; and that power relations within an organisation will influence what and whose learning is valued and shared. This article identifies four incentives that can help link M&E with organisational learning: the incentive to learn why; the incentive to learn from below; the incentive to learn collaboratively; and the incentive to take risks. Two key elements are required to support these incentives: (1) establishing and promoting an ‘evaluative culture’ within an organisation; and (2) having accountability relationships where value is placed on learning ‘why’, as well as on learning from mistakes, which requires trust.
Citation
Oswald, K. and Taylor, P. (2010) A Learning Approach to Monitoring and Evaluation. IDS Bulletin 41(6): 114-120DOI
10.1111/j.1759-5436.2010.00189.xIs part of series
IDS Bulletin Vol. 41 Nos. 6Rights holder
© 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © Institute of Development StudiesCollections
- Volume 41. Issue 6 [19]