The range of participants included and the roles they play may vary. For example, some evaluations may target only program providers or beneficiaries, while others may include the full array of stakeholders. Participating groups meet to communicate and negotiate to reach a consensus on evaluation findings, solve problems, and make plans to improve performance. Diversity of views. Views of all participants are sought and recognized.
More powerful stakeholders allow participation of the less powerful.
The process is a learning experience for participants. Emphasis is on identifying lessons learned that will help participants improve program implementation, as well as on assessing whether targets were achieved. Generally, evaluation questions and data collection and analysis methods are determined by the participants, not by outside evaluators. Good participatory evaluations are based on empirical data. Typically, rapid appraisal techniques are used to determine what happened and why.