After reviewing and interpreting the data, the results need to be communicated to stakeholders. Stakeholders are often involved in the entire evaluation process from the planning stage to the conclusion of the evaluation. Click on the following link to review the information on participatory evaluation and stakeholder participation in evaluation from Module 3 - Ethical Considerations in Program Evaluation.
Stakeholders are those individuals who are affected by or interested in the organization, program, or project and can be invested in different ways. They may financially support a program or an organization, be paid staff, live in the neighborhood where the program is located, and/or be the target population that receives services.
Stakeholder support in the form of funds, time, or expertise is critical to ensuring the success of a program’s efforts. It is important to keep in mind the interests and needs of stakeholders when creating, developing, and communicating your results. Additionally, stakeholders may assist the evaluator in communicating and disseminating results.
Stakeholders play key roles in the success and functioning of a program or evaluation. The way findings are communicated should be considered carefully and done in a clear and impactful manner.
Examples of Stakeholders
- Individuals and groups affected by the outcome of a program or project
- Individuals and groups who hold an interest in an organizations success
- Employees of an organization
- Communities affected by the program/project
- Customers/clients of an organization
- Individuals who benefit from the operations of an organization
- Government officials
- Community organizers
- Funders
- Policy makers