Question

What are the problems in undertaking policy evaluation?

Answer 1

Policy evaluation refers to evaluation principles and methods to examine the content, implementation and/ or impact of a policy. Below are the problems in undertaking policy evaluation -

1. Goal Specification: Evaluation is linked with the initial process of goal identification. Policy instruments/ charters are often drafted in ambiguous language and the goals are vaguely defined. Specifics are not spelt out and often they are grand aspirations. Sometimes, the policies are not provided sufficient budgetary support. Furthermore, wherever the goals are clearly expressed, they may not be practical.
2. Information/ Data: For any research, there is a need of accurate, comprehensive, and comparable data. Data collection is not a simple task, it requires a lot of time, skill, energy, and resources, which the evaluation agencies must possess. Qualitative information is further more difficult to obtain and comprehend. Also there may be problems due to non-availability of records or data in the desired formats, which pose limitations to the policy evaluation.
3. Methodological Problems: Besides problems in regard to availability and collection of data, there may be problems in regard to techniques and methods employed for evaluation. There might be differences in two agencies/ companies/ institutions comparing and summarizing a same output from the same raw information.
4. Measurement: Measuring results or output is difficult. One basic problem that limits the efficiency and effectiveness of government is the absence of any common parameter to judge the value of what is being achieved.
5. Targets: Goal's fulfilment is related to the measurement and achievement of targets. For example, programmes that have significant effects on the population as a whole may not have the desired effects on a target population.