The paper is now available with page numbers in the American Journal of Evaluation:

You can read the full article here (Open Access): doi.org/10.1177/1098...

The study unveils a nuanced review. Actor-oriented models shine in citizen involvement, especially in context, evaluation questions, and assessment. Yet, significant variation exists across models and stages. The quest for comprehensive citizen considerations in evaluations is on!

Our paper pioneers a review of 22 evaluation models, analyzing citizen participation at each stage. We combine document analysis with expert interviews to provide a comprehensive toolbox, not for judgment, but for empowerment.

Since the 1980s, participatory methods aimed at empowering the less privileged have gained traction. Our research emphasizes the need to recognize citizens, often the main beneficiaries of social interventions, as stakeholders.

Our goal? To elevate evaluation practice and enrich the discourse on evidence-informed policymaking and citizen engagement. The study reveals how citizen participation enhances legitimacy, governance, and social justice.

In an era where knowledge is power, societies thrive on stakeholder knowledge for innovation. Our study delves into the intersection of citizens and evaluation models, revealing the dynamic landscape of participation.