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Evaluation and Negotiated Order: Developing the Application of Complexity Theory

Callaghan, G.

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Authors

G. Callaghan



Abstract

This article argues that complexity theory has the potential to bring important insights in reframing of the role and practice of evaluation but that the utility of complexity theory needs to be developed to support its application in evaluation research.This article focuses on the implications of a reformed relationship between theory and the empirical setting for what we can learn in evaluating policy. It suggests that while complexity theory provides a new way of looking at causal relationships and how we should approach them, we need to develop complexity-consistent approaches to understanding the interplay of agency and structure at the local level, the level at which explanation is deemed possible in complexity theory. It is proposed that the theory of negotiated order offers a basis to fill that gap in evaluation practice and to provide promise for theory-informed policy.

Citation

Callaghan, G. (2008). Evaluation and Negotiated Order: Developing the Application of Complexity Theory. Evaluation, 14(4), 393-405. https://doi.org/10.1177/1356389008095485

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Oct 1, 2008
Deposit Date Jan 25, 2010
Publicly Available Date Feb 16, 2010
Journal Evaluation
Print ISSN 1356-3890
Electronic ISSN 1461-7153
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 14
Issue 4
Pages 393-405
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/1356389008095485
Keywords Complexity, Evaluation, Negotiated order, Policy, Structure and agency.

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