40 - Introduction to Appreciative Evaluation 2.0

Abstract Information: Appreciative evaluation is known for its intentionality in crafting compelling questions about successful experiences, inviting affirming multi-stakeholder engagement, generating insightful stories about lived experience, and grounding the evaluation in a compelling vision of the future. Regardless of the evaluation design and methods selected, Appreciative Evaluation is an excellent addition that will enhance the effectiveness, culture competence, ethics, and equity in evaluation. A growing body of research in positive psychology helps us understand the impact of embedding appreciative evaluation into any design and method. This workshop will cover what Appreciative Evaluation is, the growing evidence behind the methodology, and three ways to apply it in evaluation practice: framing, questions and reporting. Participants will understand how the appreciative stance and the appreciative method combine to strengthen any evaluation, and why every evaluator would benefit from adding it to their professional practice.

Relevance Statement: The first text on applying Appreciative Inquiry to evaluation was published in 2006, and since then, evaluators have been applying appreciative inquiry to their evaluation work. Today, more than 15 years of research and application have built the foundation for Appreciative Evaluation 2.0. Evidence-based Appreciative Evaluation 2.0 is now being applied to most aspects of evaluation in 2023, and can be used to address some of the most challenging issues facing the field today (e.g., culture competence, ethics, and equity in evaluation). A co-author of "Reframing Evaluation Through Appreciative Inquiry," Catsambas has continued to develop Appreciative Evaluation, and delivers workshops on the subject. Appreciative Evaluation 2.0 is especially relevant for evaluation practitioners, scholars, students of evaluation, and for improving evaluation practice in post-pandemic times. As a well-published author and academic, and recipient of the Paul F. Lazarsfeld Evaluation Theory Award AEA Award, Donaldson has continued to manage research in evaluation and explore its intersection with positive psychology. Catsambas and Donaldson are currently working on a new text on Appreciative Evaluation 2.0. This workshop presents their groundbreaking work in a methodology that holds much promise for increasing the culture competence of evaluation and supporting self-awareness and reflection in professional evaluation practice.