The Task Force considered all this feedback in a December 1993 conference call, and prepared a final draft in January 1994. This draft was presented and approved for membership vote at the January 1994 AEA board meeting. Given the diversity of interests and employment settings represented on the Task Force, it is noteworthy that Task Force members reached substantial agreement about the following five principles. Evaluators conduct systematic, data-based inquiries about whatever is being evaluated. Evaluators provide competent performance to stakeholders.
Evaluators ensure the honesty and integrity of the entire evaluation process.
Evaluators respect the security, dignity and self-worth of the respondents, program participants, clients, and other stakeholders with whom they interact. Evaluators articulate and take into account the diversity of interests and values that may be related to the general and public welfare. These five principles are elaborated in Section III of this document. The Task Force also recommends that the AEA Board establish and support a mechanism for the continued development and dissemination of these Guiding Principles. Assumptions Concerning Development of Principles A. Evaluation is a profession composed of persons with varying interests, potentially encompassing but not limited to the evaluation of programs, products, personnel, policy, performance, proposals, technology, research, theory, and even of evaluation itself.