Using developmental evaluation methods with communities of practice
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the use of developmental evaluation methods with community of practice programmes experiencing change or transition to better understand how to target support resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The practical use of a number of developmental evaluation methods was explored in three organizations over a nine-month period using an action research design. The research was a collaborative process involving all the company participants and the academic (the author) with the intention of developing the practices of the participants as well as contributing to scholarship.
Findings
The developmental evaluation activities achieved the objectives of the knowledge managers concerned: they developed a better understanding of the contribution and performance of their communities of practice, allowing support resources to be better targeted. Three methods (fundamental evaluative thinking, actual-ideal comparative method and focus on strengths and assets) were found to be useful. Cross-case analysis led to the proposition that developmental evaluation methods act as a structural mechanism that develops the discourse of the organization in ways that enhance the climate for learning, potentially helping develop a learning organization.
Practical implications
Developmental evaluation methods add to the options available to evaluate community of practice programmes. These supplement the commonly used activity indicators and impact story methods.
Originality/value
Developmental evaluation methods are often used in social change initiatives, informing public policy and funding decisions. The contribution here is to extend their use to organizational community of practice programmes.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was undertaken in conjunction with a working group of members of the Henley Forum for Organisational Learning and Knowledge Strategies.
Citation
van Winkelen, C. (2016), "Using developmental evaluation methods with communities of practice", The Learning Organization, Vol. 23 No. 2/3, pp. 141-155. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLO-08-2015-0047
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited