Evaluation use and influence – A review of related literature

Abstract

    This paper reviews research on the use of evaluation and evaluation influence. The literature review located 36 publications that met minimum standards. It examines different definitions of evaluation use and influence provided by different evaluation researchers and theorists and offers a taxonomy of use and influence. Evaluation influence as a next generation term is proposed as an alternative to the concept of evaluation use due to its limitations in meaning, coverage, and mechanisms. In addition, the paper describes the evolution of the evaluation influence construct as well as the theory of evaluation influence. The review of this paper offers the theoretical framework for research related to evaluation use and influence.